Week Five: It's Not Really About Me

When thinking of memoir ideas, I was put at a complete standstill. I had a hard time trying to decide what something in my life was that was worth telling and that would be a learning experience. I had to really look at my life and set apart some important, yet unique, parts of me.

Idea One: The Cat Story. I've already written a shot post about "The Cat Story," but there is so much more to it. In a little over one year, my family fostered and took care of twenty-two cats-- thirteen of which started off as kittens. Training and raising cats is a world of its own and the experience changed our dynamic as a family.
Cathartic Statement: Raising a fleet of homeless kittens is difficult, but when your family has your back, it's just a little bit easier, if not more chaotic. And when you have to rely on those family members, it brings you just a little bit closer together.

Idea Two: A Friend. In ninth grade, I learned that one of my best friend tried to kill herself. At fourteen, I couldn't understand what any of it meant. I could never fathom what depression was like for her. Now, years later as my life is further affected by depression, I'm starting to realize what she went through. I'm starting to look at our friendship and how her admittance of a suicide attempt changed it.
Cathartic Statement: Sometimes you can never understand people's pain and why they do what they do. And other times, even years later, you understand the pain completely. It's terrifying. Sometimes the barriers we put up block other out and other times they block ourselves out.

Idea Three: Baldwin Kids. I teach creative writing at a community center in Pontiac, called the Baldwin Center. Teaching there has been such a learning experience for myself. I work with little girls that are loving and intelligent, who just need mentors in their lives. Yet, they are the ones that tech me to be hopeful, creative, and carefree-- just I used to be when I was their age.
Cathartic Statement: Sometimes, just being a constant, reliable part of someone's life is enough to make a difference in their lives. Being in someone's life make it easier for that person to open up to you and to show their true selves. And when you see someone's true self, it can inspire you in many different ways-- especially when it means getting to feel like a kid again.