Why I Blog
I wrote in my Introduction post about how my blog first came about, and it's later change of name and purpose. There's a story too, behind why I returned properly to my blog, and started writing regularly....
Over the summer, I entered a short story competition run by Barrington Green. Let's just call it a late night whim, an urge to write about Polly. I hadn't entered a short story competition before, or any writing competition for that matter, but a couple of glasses of wine (for inspiration, naturally!) later, I sat and wrote about our beautiful daughter.
I was totally blown away, when a short time later, I was contacted by the competition organisers to say I'd been chosen as a Runner Up in their competition. I was... terrified. This position in the competition meant that my story about Polly would be displayed on their website. For other people to read. Naively, (yes, yes, it was a competition so there was always a chance this might happen, but anyway....) I hadn't for one moment contemplated part of my soul, my story, becoming "public property", and I just didn't know how to feel about that.
I'm pleased to say that I needn't have worried. The comments I received in response to my story, from friends, family members and strangers alike, were overwhelming. And hugely supportive.
It took a little time for me to digest these events, and work out what to "do" with them. I realised that not only did I find it an unexpectedly therapeutic release to write about Polly, but that I also loved being able to share her too.
It was at that point that I finally turned back to my blog.
I may "talk" about Polly a lot in here; equally I may not "talk" about her much at all. But if this makes any sense, knowing that I can talk about her in this way, and that when I write about her I am, each time, sharing a little bit of my beautiful girl, is all I need.
If you wish, you can read my competition entry HERE. (It's the one called "Polly").
I've read your entry and am now lost for words. So moving, honest and raw but beautifully written. I understand why your entry was chosen. I look forward to getting know you and your blog better as it grows. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzanne for your lovely comments. Look forward to getting to know you and your blog too! x
DeleteI am blubbing as I write. I though Polly was not only beautifully written, but how you've allowed us an insight into those special hours..well, I can only thank you and be humbled by your bravery and love for your beautiful little girl.
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah, I didn't mean to make anyone cry! Thank you...and I'm not brave, not brave at all - just muddling my way through, as anyone else would do. :-) x
DeleteI just had a spare moment (doesn't happen often in our household) and read your beautiful story. And then read it again and re-read it it is So special and so beautifully written. I cannot even start to find the right words but you are just so brave. X
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I know exactly what you mean about not having many spare moments lol! Thank you...oh crikey, I'm not brave at all.... but thank you x
Deletehi, I have just read your story and it is such a touching story. x
ReplyDeleteThank you blogginmummy for your comment, it's much appreciated. x
DeleteI just read your entry, it had me in tears. I knew what was coming but I so was crossing my fingers that it wasn't, probably just like you that day. I do hope writing, about anything and everything, is helping you.
ReplyDeleteMmm, you're not wrong there...despite knowing she had died, we still hoped for some kind of miracle to happen. But it wasn't to be. Thank you... for reading, and for your thoughts. I'm enjoying writing, a lot. :-)
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