Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: CHILL (10/29/15)
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TITLE: My Epitaph | Previous Challenge Entry
By M. C. Syben
11/02/15 -
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After a privileged singing career, I gave birth to a son and through the marriage that produced him, grandchildren blessed me at the same time.
Since Mom lived with us, I juggled geriatric caretaking, parochial school volunteering, sports, gymnastic lessons, and daily chores as a single mother, since my husband was a working seaman. God blessed me with a vibrant energy I made full use of until I began to hurt—a lot.
Soon, my life came full stop. That meant my son’s promising gym life ended. Three-hour lessons that took highway driving four-days-a-week became impossible. No family member stepped up. No one near us had the same schedule.
While I was devastated, my son was thrilled with the freedom. Soon, his schoolwork slumped. He made bad choices. I lost control. Since sickness was unacceptable in my marriage, divorce soon followed. Financial devastation ensued.
Sometimes life manufactures lemons. But making lemonade didn’t come easy to me. After countless head banging at novel monetary solutions, desperation finally compelled me to prayer—the get-on-my- knees, no-matter-what-the-answer-from-God-was, surrendering-kind-of prayer. That real acceptance of His will was answered immediately.
Life is easier now that I don’t take God or health for granted. I can’t do what I used to do. It’s okay; I’ve adapted. But when old, high-gear habits momentarily overtake me, my son says, “Chill, Mom.” His reminder is an important life lesson that I plan to advertise one day on my tombstone: “Chillin’ With The Lord.”
non-fiction
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A well written piece from the heart. An example for all of us.
The numerous demands of life as a single mother certainly are clearly shown - they happened simultaneously - I understand.
"I began to hurt—a lot" does give a picture of you having had too much to do too long. Well described. Been there.
The surrender-prayer was fabulous.
Thanks for sharing.