“Inspiration” Chapter 131

“ Is that Tuesdays with Morrie?”

“Why yes it is, and it’s signed by the author, too!”

If you have been keeping up with my previous posts, you probably would have read about my BFF Mike, who is the inspiration of this post. Mike had a job requiring him to travel a lot, including to D.C. (Why do we use initials for some states and the proper names for others? Think about it, nobody says “I’m going to IA or MN.") Anyway... back to Mike. Mike enjoys self improvement books around topics like management and leadership. A few years ago he was looking for his next book and he came across “Tuesdays with Morrie." When he read the jacket he discovered Morrie had ALS.

At the time, I had been recently diagnosed with ALS and we didn’t know much about the journey we were about to take. When Mike finished the book he knew he had to share it with me on his next visit. The book gave us a glimpse into Morrie's journey and was very inspiring. What we didn’t know then was how much Morrie’s story would change my life.

You see, before reading the book myself I still didn’t know what to do. I was upset, confused, and lost. This book gave me clarity and a focus.

Morrie said, “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in."

 When I pondered this statement, I thought life really is that simple, JUST LOVE!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV): 

• This passage describes the qualities of love: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protecting, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

After reading this book, I realized I wanted to live like Morrie and I believe I am accomplishing that. However, it’s been several years since reading the book and we can get caught up in life. Yes, even I did in my simple life. Last wee, though, my sister Renate sent me an autographed copy of the book. Mitch Album, author of "Tuesdays with Morrie" was helping her local library raise funds by holding a book signing and Renate attended. LOVE, a simple act of love reminded me of what I decided years ago.

You might also know I write a little blog about my ALS journey so I can keep a journal for my family and help others. Helping others is kinda my thing. Throughout my journey so many of you - I mean a few of you - have asked me to consider writing a book. I didn’t think my story itself was unique enough to be a best seller, and after all, my blog is sort of like a book. I decided maybe another time.

About six months ago during a class on Fiction Writing I was inspired by a character I thought of. From there I was challenged to write a book and I did just that - bringing in an ALS twist. It turns out Mitch and I have something else in common. Next month we will both be published authors.

When writing my book I wanted to bring awareness to ALS and will donate all proceeds to ALS Organizations.

I really enjoyed writing the book, but I didn’t realize how much there’s to do when it comes to publishing. 🤯😱 I guess once I am done with publishing I might start the sequel.

“Beholder Of The Eyes”

A psychological killer-thriller about an Optometrist who collects eyeballs seeking out the last memory of his mother’s eyes.

“Clyde collected eyeballs. He was an Optometrist by day, but at night he focused on his special hobby. He was a tall slender man,  with wavy brown hair and dark eyes that could see right through you. His affection came from his childhood memories of his mother who died from ALS. His last memory of her was her loving eyes which now drives his obsession to find her eyes again. He was so passionate about his hobby he couldn’t go a day without thinking about the details of her eyes, so much it drove him to murder.”

I hope to be as successful as Mitch one day with my writing. However, I need your help first.

I NEED ADVANCE REVIEW COPY (ARC) READERS.

Here’s how:

1. Send me an email to ddubois12008@gmail.com requesting to receive an Advance Review Copy.

   
   

2. Love it or not if you wish provide a review on Amazon and your socials before the launch date. (I hope you love it)

   
   

3. Share Share Share 

   
   

4. I will send you an email with information and digital advance copy shortly after.

I’m hoping nobody runs out collecting eyeballs,  but I do hope I inspired you to find something that inspires you.

Love and Blessings 

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