For as far back as I can remember, writing has been something that I loved to do. Even as a child, as long as I had a pencil and some paper, I was good. I would make up stuff to write, from fake math equations, to words that didn’t even exist. I just needed to write. Unfortunately, during my elementary school years, I switched states and schools; and while I was thriving in my departing school, in my new school I struggled heavily. I think the biggest setback for me was being put in remedial math and reading. It messed with my confidence a lot. I have to admit though, it was my own doing that got me put there. How so? Well my mom had moved to a different state, and I remained behind with my grandparents until she got on her feet. A year or more had passed, and I was still living between my grandparents and my dad, and to my surprise a holiday visit with my mom turned out to be a permanent stay. Naturally, I loved my mom and missed her very much, but I wasn’t ready for that type of move. So when it became clear that I was going to be staying with her for good, she went to enroll me in school. I was required to take a placement test since I was coming from a different state. My creative mind decided if I purposely failed this test, then they will have no choice but to return me to my grandparents. Not so. I failed the test, and it landed my smart behind in remedial classes. I didn’t recover from this dreaded mistake until middle school.
When I got to middle school, a whole new world opened up to me. Whatever I put my hands to excelled. I joined the news team as a camera girl, and then moved my way up to anchor. Yes, my school had a live broadcasted news show that was shown in every classroom every morning. I got to write my own news stories and deliver them on air. I think it was called the “A.M. Eagles”. From there I joined the drama club, and I got to write and act in skits that I and my teammates wrote. The biggest moment for me though, was when I wrote an essay about a tragic killing that happened in our area. It wasn’t an assignment for class or anything. I was just angry about the way things were going in our neighborhoods at the time. So, I took to writing to get my anger out. Somehow one of my teachers got their hands on what I had written, and the next thing I know I was standing before an auditorium of my peers and teachers reading what I had written. Wow!
Of course there is much more that I can share, but the point that I’m chasing right now is that since my early years, I have had a love for writing. Without understanding the drawing that I had to it, I continuously worked at, and it has taken me to some amazing places. For me writing is home, and now that I know this, it’s a matter of finding my way back. The void that I have without it gives me an insatiable thirst that nothing else can quench. I can’t just visit from time to time anymore. I have to find a way to consistently “be” at home.
As always, I thank you for stopping by. I hope this tid bit will help you remember what home is for you. Remember, today is a great day to Be Friendly, Show Favor, and Give Love!
T Lynn Tate 