My Passions- Mabel’s Labels Contest Entry

Last summer my good friend, Amy of Crunchy Domestic Goddess, entered us into a contest sponsered by Mabel’s Labels for a trip to BlogHer 2010.  Amy’s video made it to the top ten, and we were finalists!  The other night Amy sent me a link to a new contest the wondeful people at Mabel’s Labels is having for another trip to BlogHer 2010, and a blogging position with them.  Mabel’s Labels has asked,

“Write a post on your blog in response to the following hypothetical situation: Electrical storms are going to wipe out the Internet (perhaps forever). You have one day left to write about your passions: what do you want to say to the blogosphere in 300 words or less?”  Here is my entry:

I have written about my passions often over the years; the joys and frustrations associated with them.  I took for granted that I would always be healthy enough to pursue them.  I am also learning the hardest lesson of all- our loved ones won’t always be alive to help and support us with our passions.

Sometimes it is overwhelming like a ocean being ripped apart in a storm.  During these times my passions become the lighthouse in the distance.  The waves crash and break, but there is always a flicker of light showing me these struggles are temporary.   Writing my blog helps me navigate through these times, like during the last year when I discovered I had cancer, and my marriage ended.   When my cancer treatments were over, I found myself at the starting line of my new passion- running. 

Two weeks ago, another storm came crashing in, when my mother died.  I have no idea how to find the flicker of light through this storm. I wish if I could pursue my passions hard enough- write that brilliant piece, or run fast enough-it would bring my mom back. Life gives us beautiful highlights and agonizing heartbreaks.  It is easy to get weighed down in the sorrow and pain. 

But my greatest passion and love reminds me life goes on. The smiles and laughter are the brilliant lights, illuminating against the dark and angry waves.   This life-long passion is parenting.  It is the beacon in the storm, and the calming force. It is hope, and it is my future.