There were times, during the last several years, that I honestly felt I wouldn’t complete my book. I know my system is hard wired to short circuit at important times. I’ve lived with this trepidatious feeling much of my life. It’s isn’t easy because I know my capabilities but I also know my challenges.
To complete my book and have it published is really nice. My mind says to me not to be overly excited because it was a job I set out to do and I did it. Yes, I did. It was not without struggle, mostly with my inner self, to focus and complete the job at hand.
Here’s the deal. Yes, I wanted to make sure I could gather as much information as possible. Yes, I wanted to make certain all of the information was properly paraphrased and sourced. Yes, I wanted to make sure the information was accurate and not unsubstantiated since some of it was anecdotal. Deep down I knew this wouldn’t be an issue because I was trained to research and accurately represent the information I discovered.
My self-imposed challenge was to make the story real. The story had to matter to people and it had to pay homage to the many who helped in the formation of a unique school district. Of utmost importance was for me to write this story as a gift to all who had come before me. It is everyone’s story. It is a story of strength. It is a story of chance. It is a story of learning through error. No one can deny, though, it is a story of evolution.
And when I tell you it was a labor of love for me, please believe it. I still find myself learning some tidbit and thinking, “that should go in the book.” I had to accept that I couldn’t include many things and it was hard for me to let go of them. My hope is someone will take it on in the future. The reality is doubtful.
I’m proud to have answered some questions and to have put some historic facts into place. In a world where we take so much for granted, I’ve never thought about my education in that manner. From my first few days in college when I realized I was far more prepared than a majority of my fellow students, I was thankful.
And so, this chapter is now closed. It’s a happy feeling though I can’t help but think about whether or not there was more information out there that I may have included. Hopefully Doris Kearns Goodwin or Erik Larson feel this way after finishing a book.
“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.” Unknown
Now I turn the page to focus on writing fiction. Now that I’m a published non-fiction writer, I am able to move forward and continue my dream of being a published fiction writer. Fingers crossed!
Stories Are For Eternity 