Letter to the editor

It's a small start, but since it was totally unplanned and it happened spontaneously and since I've never been "published" in a newspaper before, I'm kinda excited.

A writer friend of mine - who had ditched his lifelong career as an engineer -  recently gave me tips on how I myself can start writing and one of the strategies he did to practice his skills was to write letters to the editor. I thought it was great advice.

So, here's what happened:

New Year's Day I participated in a Polar Bear Dip, tho I live in Florida, so I guess the event's name is a bit of a misnomer

Part of the success of that day is that I wore a bikini in front of everyone there (and there were some goodlooking firefighters/lifeguards, who sponsored the event). I have self-esteem issues about my body. But I wanted to do this so bad, it looked so fun, that I sucked up my pride (and my belly) and dove in. Literally. Brrrrrr, it was cold, but wonderfully invigorating.

Later in the afternoon I learned that my aunt - one of my namesakes - who had just been put in the hospital a few days ago for a lung problem she had hid the seriousness of, was going to be taken off the respirator so she could breath on her own. She could survive anywhere from weeks to months. She died that night, which was unexpected.

Before I learned of her death I wrote a story about my morning experience and how the news about her health - caused entirely and indisputably by smoking - had effected me, as I was nearing the 2 year anniversary of when I myself quit smoking. I talked a little about it being a new year and the promise of more life.

I impulsively sent off the rough essay to the editor of the local paper and he contacted me saying he wanted to run it as a column in Saturday's paper, along with a picture of me.

Even in pain there can be joy. More important than even being "published" or being able to handle my feelings about everything that happened that day, was the chance to honor the love I have for my aunt.

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Tags: Anxiety, Career, Self Esteem