When I Am Writing…
"When I am writing my problems become invisible and I am the person I always was. All is well. I am as I should be." Roger Ebert
I copied this quote from a profile of Roger Ebert that appears in Esquire.
Nearly four years ago, Ebert had most of his lower jaw removed due to thyroid cancer surgery. Since then he hasn't eaten, drank, or spoken a word–he communicates by writing or a keyboard to voice device. But in many ways his writing has been revitalized, as he writes a blog for the Chicago Sun-Times on a variety of topics. In one of the most touching images that illustrates the article, there's a blue post-it note, with a message from Ebert written on it–"There is no need to pity me. Look how happy I am. This has led to an explosion of writing."
The article, by Chris Jones, is an inspiration, well worth reading. And Ebert's blog–he calls it a journal–is well worth reading, too. I got absorbed in it when I went in search of the correct link, and forgot I was in the middle of writing a post.
So, this is what I've got for you today, since I've got a busy day full of appointments–why are my Fridays always busy days full of appointments?–and I wanted to leave you with something. Trust me, this article is much more inspiring than anything I could come up with on the fly.
Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend, everyone. Oh–and if anything from the article hits you as being worth sharing, come on back and leave a comment. I think the first quote alone is worth clutching to your heart.
Jessica
Thank you for sharing!
What a reminder to never judge someone by appearances. How often do we see someone with an awkward gait, a disfigured face or speech impediment and automatically assume lack of intelligence?
Or, how often do we see a foreigner struggling with our language and mentally put them in a class below us? I feel the biggest reward I have received from learning a second language is the delight of watching someone begin speaking in their native tongue and transform into a articulate, enthusiastic and inspiring person. I think reading blue post-it notes from Roger Ebert’s hand would be a similar feeling.
We should create impressions of people with our heart and our hope, rather than our judgmental eye which only sees the surface.
Charlotte Dixon
Oh, Jessica, that is beautiful–“we should create impressions of people with our heart and our hope.” Thanks so much for sharing your impressions of the reaction when you unexpectedly start speaking a different language, too!
Jessica
I’m glad you liked it. :) I’ve been thinking about Roger Ebert ever since and have decided to do a post about the article too! It’ll probably appear in a couple of weeks.
Charlotte Dixon
Jessica, come back and let us all know when the post is done!
Jessica
The post in question is up:
http://wp.me/pJDtp-3d
Charlotte Dixon
Thanks for letting us know, Jessica, I’m reading your post right now.