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Blogs by Donelle Knudsen
What's Important to Me 11/12/2008 8:01:32 AM
Despite all the negative "stuff" out there, I choose to think about the things that don't lose their value - my life experiences, family and friends. As the rain falls and the wind howls outside and threatens to dampen my mood, so goes the news, either printed or via the electronic media. I used to enjoy tapping into internet or cable news, but no more. Where can one find a story with a silver lining nowadays?
As the holidays approach, I reflect on the things that do not tarnish or decrease in value - my family and friends and how they have impacted my life in a positive way. Even the difficult ones I have encountered here and there taught me things and toughened me up, so to speak. But today I want to thank those who have loved me and encouraged me through life's journey.
Just yesterday I received an encouraging note from a cousin who lives in Portland, my home town. We were reunited twelve or thirteen years ago, after decades of separation. In fact, except for word of mouth I didn't know much about my mother's cousin at all. But she is a blessing in my life and now is an invaluable link to my mother's generation and beyond. She is an expert in genealogy and an avid collector of family records, including her father's writings and poems. Through her I learned that there were many writers in my family, but unfortunately most of them have passed on.
What I'd give to spend a day with my great grandmother and learn more about her amazing life in the Ozarks in the 1800s. I cherish one piece that's survived all these years. It's a charming story that describes her rich childhood, not rich in material things, but rich in experiences. I will share it one day - in the appropriate venue.
SHARING, that's what it's all about. That's what spurred me to write my autobiography in 2003. I wanted my children and grandchildren to have something to hold onto when I am no longer here. Words last forever, if they are appreciated and preserved.
To quote from the Introduction to my life story: ". . . I have begun a literary adventure that may just change my life. It's my desire that my "Ideal Reader" not only enjoys this book, but comes away with a better understanding of the era I grew up in, my experiences, and family history. As I write I will cherish each memory like an old friend and hope to convey my feelings with honesty and clarity."
So, dear readers think about what's really important to you and take heart in the things that don't lose their value, but actually increase as the years go by.
