Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Perspective

You know those days when you wake up after a great night's sleep, full of energy, and you just know you're going to get a ton done that day?  And then one thing happens that throws you off and you think, After I get this done, I'll be right back on track.  But then something else happens and... well you know the drill.   That's what happened to me today.

I started my day in the usual way (now I'm writing poetry?): coffee on the porch with my hubby.  The view felt distant this morning, wrapped in humid haze.  The temperature was already in the mid-80's, a sign it was going to be a scorcher.  After finishing our requisite two cups of coffee, he headed for the car to drive to New York City for a business meeting and the night, and I settled down to check email.  Lo and behold there was an email from a literary agent I had queried a mere four days ago! (I'm getting ahead of myself and I apologize.  I've written a book and am now searching for someone to help me navigate the convoluted twists and turns of the publishing world.  Loads more about that next week, cross my heart.)  This agent asked to see my proposal, which is wonderful news, but wanted the format double-spaced.  That may not sound like any big deal, but the single-spaced proposal is 30-odd pages with lots of sub-titles, fancy spacing and such.  Converting it to double-spaced and making sure all the sub-titles and fancy spacing still work, was an hour long job.  Again, no biggie.  It was awesome to think that someone was actually interested in my work, and hey - as soon as it was done, I was back on track.  Right?

Then the phone rang.  You know how you answer the phone and as soon as you realize who it is, you know something is very, very wrong?  It was the husband of a dear friend of almost thirty years.  It wasn't her, it was her husband.  Kathy has been diagnosed with leukemia and is in the hospital, he tells me.  She is already undergoing chemo and there is talk of a future stem cell transplant.  A week ago I was having a pity party because the house isn't selling.  At about the same time, Kathy was being told she has leukemia.  Like a rubber band snap between the eyes, perspective on what is important was back in razor-sharp focus.  On my 'things to be grateful for' list tonight, the good health of my family will be at the top.  I'll do that right after my prayer for Kathy and her family.  If you're so inclined to offer up a prayer on her behalf, I would appreciate it.

2 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about your friend. That is tough news and I will keep her in my prayers. Will also be praying that the literary agent LOVES your book. The time has come for it to go into print!

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  2. Lindsay-- You go girl! I have every confidence that you are taking big steps forward to start this new phase of life-- including the constant awareness of what is really important!

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