On November 4, 2009, an article in the International Herald Tribune caught my eyes, as I sipped my regular latte in the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz Carlton Doha, Qatar, in the Middle East. It was titled “Happy ending” with a caption “Death grants us the possibility of a meaning life even as it takes it away”, written by Todd May, a philosophy professor from Clemson University. The point of the article was that one tends to put things off thinking that there is enough time later. No one knows how many days or years he/she has; therefore we must make each day beautiful.
Writing a memoir on and off for the last two years was exactly an example of what Todd May was talking about. I had all the time in the world, so why bother when I was busy with other things? No more. The original diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of small intestine, rare cancer, was given to me in July 2008, followed by its reoccurrence in 2009. A possibility of death had granted me an opportunity to reflect on my life, and I had to get serious about finishing the manuscript. The book is about the gift of life which was given to me and all the people and events that led me to become who I am today.
I am very grateful that I already have a publisher that is interested in my manuscript and encouraged me to begin a blog. You will read about my life in Doha, Qatar, and the journey of finishing the manuscript and getting it published in the coming months. Please share my blog address to the people you know around the world.
I will be delighted if you would write a comment below. Thank you for visiting my site today.
Mickie
Saturday, January 9, 2010
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31 comments:
Dear Mickie
Even though I am not a regular reader however that time when you shared some of your writing with me, you got me hooked and so anxious to read the rest of your memoir. Looking forwarded to get a copy. I already know that it is excellent because you are such a wonderful person.
Dr. Jones
Mickie, Habibti,
I had the wonderful opportunity to sneak preview what's in the making, and am very excited to see the final product. Your life, and all the amazing things you've accomplished, inspires me, and now will touch many others' lives. I am honored to take place in your unique journey and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Cheers!
I have always wondered why people wait or avoid contemplating their own death. I look forward to reading your perspective on facing the inevitable.
Mickie, what a great idea - a productive catharsis, I'm sure.
I wish you the best.
Beth
All the best of luck for the start of this great adventure that is your book Mickie!
Cannot wait for your book to be in print. Have loved the parts I have been privileged to read thus far. Can't wait to buy it for gifts for all my reading friends. Your story is truly a joyful one that takes the reader on a journey through your eyes. What a gift to travel with you through the delightful paths down which life has and will continue to take you. Deepest thanks for the effort to put it into words for us.
Mickie, thank you for the honour of reading your manuscript in draft form. As a rough copy, it was inspiring and thought provoking - so the published version should be powerful and awesome!
Reflecting on death is indeed a challenging subject, and more difficult would be when it is about one’s own death. I believe the book will allow us, among other things, to test our own humanity and explore our own connections with things that we love in the world and the people that we hate to miss. This is a subject that we need to understand and discuss further. Myself, along with many others who know you Mickie, have always found you to be full of life, love and joy. This is why I believe that the book will be a great success, and I look forward to seeing it in print.
Amazing Mickie, it's an honor to be a part of your life and to follow your story. Your energy and zest for life is contagious. I am very proud of you doing this memoir.
Much love...
Hi Mickie! I met you only once, so I really dont know you... I can't wait to read your book! Usually first I read the book and then I meet or see the writer! So this is the first time that I met the writer first! :-)
So, after having destroyed several times things that I had written, all I have to say is that I feel very proud of people who actually share what they write without feeling afraid of failure or of people's commments. My dream was to be a writer, so destroying what I write is not very helpful, is it?? So I just wish your book to be read by many and inspire all of them!
I was so fortunate to have had the draft of your first chapter read to me by our dear friend while we were driving home from a trip. Of course what struck me the most was your incredible positive attitude. I became stronger and hopefully a better person for having heard your words of wisdom. You are empowered with the ability to change so many lives with your memoir. I hope everyone will read this "profile in courage". God has truly blessed you. He has bestowed you with extraordinary gifts and you in turn have honored him by teaching all of us how to return that gift. And the secret is out! Now I understand how you were able to prepare that incredible fish during the holidays when I first got to know you. Your book is all about LIFE. I can't wait to read the whole book and share your story with all my friends.
Hi Mickie, I joined today and I will look forward to reading your life thoughts, experiences such as yours I'm sure are the likeliest way to defeat procrastination !
I eagerly anticipate your early chapters.
No point my saying what an inspiration to anyone you are, as this would simply be to repeat sentiments already voiced - but at least you know it must be true !
I await.
Girlfriend, I am so excited for you and your journey to documenting your "memoir" and look forward to reading about it. As being a survivor of a brain tumor, I do know about enjoying "each moment" of life and I am so joyful and filled with spirit that you have been in my life and have been in many of my "each moments". Thank you for being my girlfriend and including me in your life.
I look forward to "Mickie's Memoirs" and definitely know it will be a great and interesting read!
Dana
Mickie, I am so very proud of your accomplishments and feel confident that your "Memoir" will be inspiring to anyone that reads it! You my sweet friend personify living life to the fullest, with grace and courage!
Love you, Gloria
Hi Mickie,
I can not wait to read your book.I am looking forward to know more about you..Always love to see your smile and hope.
Laila R.Nejad
laila_pa@yahoo.com
Dear Mickie,
What an inspiration you are to all who meet you. I can't wait to read your book and learn about your life journey.
So looking forward to seeing you soon.
Hugs
Seta
Dearest Mickie,
In December 21, 2009, I lost my dearest husband. He died from an open heart surgery complication. I am sure your memoir will be a source of inspiration to me. You will always be a role model to men and women who have experienced or are experiencing major challenges in their lives. I look forward to reading your book.
Hope to see you in Qatar in March.
Vicky Ferrer Mustafa
Dear Dr. Mickie, what can I say?
I am such a lucky man! First, I meet you and have the pleasure to do business you. Then, I go to your birthday (I won't say which one as even very young women do not talk about their age:)!) and against all odds, you introduce me to the woman I now love the most in the world! Finally, I have the ultimate privilege of traveling a few years back into your life to understand even more what an amazing, talented and fabulous woman you are!
I can't wait for your Memoirs to be published and tell EVERYBODY about it.
It will be the most fascinating and adventurous life story of modern times, I'm sure!
I wait patiently for the first issue to come out...
Love you so much!!!!
Marc
Princess Mickie,
You have inspired me from the moment I met you, and continue to each day. I am so blessed to call you my friend and my sister.
You were gracious enough to share a glimpse of this book with me, and I am counting the days until I can read it all! Just as you are in person, your book is strong and inspirational! It is a testament to you and your love for life!
You truly are a princess!
Love you!
Shell
Mickie,
How can this be that we have now known each other for so many years? I think back to meeting you and getting to know you through our neighborhood, and through our elementary school teaching jobs! You have always been an inspiration to me, and to everyone who knows you! Somehow you have the perfect mix of decorum and FUN! in your personality. It has been such a joy to be able to keep up with you through your many travels, positions, and job sites! See you soon dear friend!
Love,
Chris
Mickie,
The Word clearly tells us that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow so we must not put off what we can do today. Each day is a gift from God. It's good that you are finishing this, but, I serve a God who heals so I am believing in faith that this time around, you will indeed be healed. To God be the glory.
God richest blessings, Karin Clack, ROWvotions
Dear Mickie,
On the couple of occasions you read parts of your manuscript to me, I was definitely moved emotionally. In one reading I felt tears coming in my eyes and did fall into the hot beverage we were having at the Tea Lounge. In the other reading, I was motivated by joy and inspiration to hear about the time of obtaining your PhD. My excitement and giggly comments were loud and clear, again at the Tea Lounge.
I say that because, I genuinely feel that your book is a journey of "emotions" that we all humanly experience in spite of the differences in the circumstances or life events.
This personal journey of yours is worth sharing with all of us, because it's "humanistically" our emotions, fears, temporal losses, and triumphs that we so eagerly want to listen to in your own memoir and eagerly push ourself towards inspiration. Yes Positive Inspiration is the quality always associated with you Mickie. Those in your proximity, watch and try to absorb it in. I am one.
Thank you for the opportunity to enter your life and look, listen, and learn things from you... and from your life book. I wish you my mother's Three H's: Happiness, Health and Hope.
With love,
Marwa Maziad
Hi Mickie!
I thought I posted a comment earlier and I don't see the question so I will try again...
Do you know when the book will be published? I posted your blog on my Facebook page and my family asked for the publishing date - do you know yet?
With greatest affection,
Christy B
Hi, Mickie.
We are thinking of you and praying for you. We wish you the best with the book. Please know that we love you and Ben!
God bless,
Wayne and Judi
Mickie,
You already know that I felt honored to have read your manuscript... you have had such an interesting journey so far and this will make your book very readable. But it's your outlook and attitude that will inspire your readers.
Can't wait till it's published!
My Dearest Mickie,
I feel so blessed to know you and to have you in my life. You are one of my dearest friends and a true teacher. One who leads by example. Your zest for life, generous spirit, and genuine appreciation for others is contagious… you have a legion of fans who can’t help but be attracted to your vivacity in the face of darkness. You are the only one that I know who would dream of throwing a party DURING chemotheraphy (we called it a Chemoparty) and look fabulous while doing it.
I have had the honor to read parts of your memoir, a true gift, a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary woman and a template for how to live life to the fullest. I am looking forward to seeing this work evolve into a true embodiment of you: witty, empathetic, glamorous and unforgettable.
Love,
Jinnyn
Dr.Mickie, I was thrilled to know that you are writing a book about your life! Honestly, I can't wait to read it... I would love to know more about you. Actually, your gracious attitude gained you respect from all people around you.. your determination to do your best in your job even if you are tired from you chemo had really infuenced me. I am very grateful for supporting me to pursue my master degree and for giving me the honor to work with you!
Mickie;
I join the others in wishing you much success in completing the book. I can't wait to read it! One of the other comments was in agreement with your realization that we can't put off things because we think we have lots of time. Such a mistake! Truly we all need to be grateful for each day that we wake up and can be on the planet for another day. I know this is true, as I lost my own sister to cancer and know that there were many things she planned and just never got around to it. Thanks for coming into my life!
Lisa Stewart
Mickie,
It was wonderful seeing you again and hearing you speak to our Woman's Club about your book and adventures in Qatar. You are an inspiration and a great representative of the U.S.
Your inner strength shines through in all that you do. You have the rare quality of being a very intelligent and compassionate woman who is a lot of fun to be with. I am honored to be a friend.
I can't wait for your book to be published! I hope it will be out by Christmas so that I can give it as gifts to family and friends. I know it will be treasured by all.
Congratulations! Ann Bosworth
Mickie, what a privledge it was to have you read your first chapter of your memoir to me. It was enough to spark my curosity to hear more and more about your interesting life. What an inspiration you are to so many!!! God has blessed you with much and thank you for sharing it with us!
Sheila Wiggins
Mickie, We're so excited about our opportunity to share your life experiences in a memoir. Technology is such a great thing that we can keep up with you on a blog! Keep it up!
Liz & Kevin Snodgrass
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