J.R.R. Tolkien – illustration for The Hobbit (Photo credit: deflam)
“Because it’s not a story worth telling if there aren’t any Dragons…” J.R.R. Tolkien
At the urging of many friends and family members I have finally decided to post my writing from last year. Be warned, if you have never read Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz, or any other fairy tale many of the references in these “stories” may be lost. I believe only my cousin, Liz Young, may have the extensive knowledge of this genre to catch them all. In any case, this is a tale of struggle. A recounting of events that turned life upside down. And the long journey back from the brink. There were many hardships to be endured, sacrifices to be made, and lessons to be learned. Thank heavens for the magnificent companions I was blessed to have with me along the way. If there was anything we took away from 2012 it was that life is extremely hard, but its worth fighting for…
“Sam: I know. It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger. But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo: What are we holding onto Sam?
Sam: That there’s some good in this world…and it’s worth fighting for.”
These stories are dedicated to my mother. Not only is she the same height as a hobbit but she is also brave, loyal, and pure of heart. This one’s for you mom…my Samwise the Brave
The Chronicles of Mayo 
Stephanie,
Your blog is great. I am very proud of you and the writing is wonderful. You have a great future, kiddo.
Love, Julie
Stephanie, my sister sent me your blog. I am a big fan of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. I read whaty Buffy sent to me and I found it very well written and very interesting. I struggle with a couple of chronic health problems and admire your approach to the past year. Good luck and well done Stephanie.
Steph, I love this blog! Can’t wait to read the on going posts! Best present ever.
Wonderfully written. Thanks very much for sharing your story and I look forward to more.
Thank you!
Stephanie,
I came down with a nasty case of colon cancer two months ago, and I feel like everything I went through medically has been a micro version of what you’re writing here. Every description of the scary-surgery experience is intensely familiar, and very gratifying to read. Thanks so much for putting this out there.
–Eryk
Eryk, thank you for reading! your testimony is exactly why I write this blog.
I’ve read your posts from the very beginning, and have recommended your blog to several friends. You are a terrific writer, and your story is just amazing. I’m subscribed to the feed and can hardly wait for each new post. I’m cheering for you!
So I feel like the worst person in the world to do this, but I have to point out a homophone transposition in this post: a sleigh is a sled; to kill a dragon, you must slay it.
Now I will slink back into my grammar cave. Thank you for sharing your experience so eloquently.
Hahahaha do not feel bad at all Pat! One of my English teachers from high school reads this blog and I cringe every time I recognize a typo. I can almost hear her thinking, “Stephanie I taught you better than that!”
Thank you for the edit 🙂
You are as gracious as you are courageous.
Thank you for writing such a vivid and bravely personal account of your struggles. You are a gifted writer, and every new post is engrossing. We draw strength from each other, and I know this series has given strength and encouragement to many. Thank you.