Sweet Saturday Sample

Via CookingwithSands.com

Welcome to another edition of Sweet Saturday Samples. Today, I'm doing something different: I'm stringing together a few passages from my autobiography, "My Open Heart," instead of sharing one long, consistent passage. With fall beginning, many people are thinking about back to school, Halloween, and the upcoming holidays. But I'm realizing it's getting closer to the Heart Walk event in my area. So I'm hoping you'll read this part of my story and be inspired to check out a Heart Walk event in your area.

I am disabled.  No, I’m not in a wheelchair.  I was born with a heart condition.  It has limited my life in various ways, and made me miss out on many things, but it hasn’t been completely terrible.  After all, I graduated from high school and Junior College, got married and graduated from USF.

          But it has been a very hard road, and the journey is not ending anytime soon.


          I have overcome many obstacles in my life, and I believe I am stronger for doing so.  But I also feel like my heart condition gives me an excuse to be lazy.  There are days when I don’t want to do anything, and I know I can get away with it by saying I don’t feel well.   
 

I am slowly learning that I have to push myself every day in order to keep myself going.  When I have my bad days, I have to remember that they won’t last.  Things will get better, and I’ll be able to live my life again.  If I forget this when I’m feeling really down, I have plenty of memories to remind me. I have a wonderful, fulfilling, fun life despite my heart condition.  I do not wallow in self-pity and hide from the world.

My life has not been a cakewalk, but I am here and I am able to live a fulfilled life.  I have a wonderful husband, a very loving family, my writing, my dogs and my favorite hobby: watching TV and movies. 

 I have my memories, both good and bad, to get me through my days, and allow me to realize that I can make it through anything.  And I have this wonderful opportunity of sharing my story with you, so that hopefully you will be able to see that your life too will turn out beautifully despite all you may be going through.  Just remember to never give up your dreams.  Reach for the stars, and make your dreams come true.

Growing up with heart disease can be difficult, but it does not always have to alter your life course. MY OPEN HEART is written for young adults growing up with heart disease. It's meant to inspire them to chase their dreams, to show that they are not alone, and, perhaps, to help guide them through the maze of life with heart disease. Parents of children with heart disease and other chronic illnesses will find support and inspiration within this true story. We are not alone.

MY OPEN HEART is available from Solstice Publishing and in the following formats:

Amazon Kindle

B&N Nook

Print

Thank you for joining me in another edition of Sweet Saturday Samples. For more great samples, check out the Linky List.