An Amazing Opportunity to Be Seen and Heard
“I will grab any opportunity I can to learn something new.” – Lykke Li
I have some exciting news I want to share. I got invited to take part in a documentary film for the Special Olympics. As a sister of an athlete of the Special Olympics, it is an honor to be a part of it and share our journey.
Why me, you might ask? The reason is that the games reunited my sister and me, who didn’t see each other for six years. During the Winter World Special Olympics games, our reunion happened at Boise, Idaho.
I still remember seeing my younger sister, Irina, arriving for a lineup through a fence. My heart jumped out of my chest when I saw my sister after all this time. I missed her so much. When I yelled her name, Irina came to the fence, and we cried, trying to figure out how I could hug her. It was a touching moment. Later that day, we could hug each other.
So being in a documentary film is a big deal for me because the producer and director are interested in the book I’m writing. Yes, the book is about my life journey. And it’s dedicated to her. My sister is my inspiration. We had so many challenges that kept us apart for six years.
There is an even more dramatic story when I found her when I was ten years old, and she was just three. Here is a glimpse into our story at this link: Special Olympics brought a family together, no matter the distance.
The filming of me is planned for March. An anticipated time for releasing the documentary is in September of this year.
Memoir Vision
It motivates me to complete my first draft as soon as possible. Realistically speaking, I aim for the end of June, hoping to meet my goal early. After that, I will focus on polishing, editing, and publishing during the summer. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
I realized I could not approach my book writing the same way I have done in the past. I have to treat it like a part-time job 3-5 hours a day, ideally during the week or at least 2-4 hours three times a week, then increase if necessary. So, you know, it is essential to set up manageable goals.
My book already has over 150 pages. But I know the most sensitive and heart-touching stories about my twenties and thirties are not even typed yet. So I still need to refresh my memory by reading old diaries, picking on the most meaningful stories, summarizing highlights, and organizing them into my book.
I know I got this. I feel that sharing my goal with you will keep me more accountable. Now I am definitely on the deadline.
Have I told you I started writing it in 2009? At that time, the title was “The scream of my soul.” Now it shifted into “Going with the flow.”
The book’s name is not definite yet, and I see how the “flow” comes back repeatedly when I think of it. Because in my life, I learned to allow myself to flow with life and plant seeds of dreams along the way.
Of course, there were times when I fought hard against the current of my river of life. Who doesn’t? That is why it makes it an interesting and challenging roller-coaster full of emotions. Feelings make us feel alive. Don’t you agree with me?
If you have suggestions about book writing, feel free to leave a comment below and share what works for you. I would be happy to hear from you.
Wish me luck 😉
Natayla I am just after reading about you and your sister who has special needs, and your story is very like mine only my story is reversed. You see when I was 11 years old I took a virus out of which I developed encephalitis which is inflammation on the brain and I was left with a speech problem and my walking was also affected as well. So I went from being a good singer and a bubbly 11 year old over night to this girl who couldn’t walk or talk and I had to learn to do so many things over again and it wasn’t easy. I remember the day I got out of the hospital the Dr saying to my mum and dad take Christine home and keep her comfortable for she’ll never walk or talk again. Well I proved them wrong as I can walk now but I’m not as good and I have back trouble at the minute and I can talk although only to some people better than others but I pass. The year before I took sick when I was 10 my mum had a baby my wee sister Elaine now there’s 10 years between myself and Elaine and I also have an older brother Danny who is 7 years older than me and I have a brother Noel who is 13 years younger than me and people would say to my mum you had two families one older and one younger. I always say this that God sent my wee sister Elaine and my wee brother Noel to look after me, as we’re all very very close and my brother Danny lives a door away from me. My sister Elaine is very very good to me and since my mum and my dad passed away she is my rock and she herself is married with two grown up kids as is my brother Danny who has 3 grown ups as well and my brother Noel has also 3 kids and he lives in Liverpool. I live in Derry Northern Ireland.
My mum and my dad passed away within 10 weeks of each other and I now live on my own. I’m able to look after myself and I can cook clean etc. I’m not going to lie to you but it has been hard for me without my mum and my dad as I lived with them for 58 years and I turn 60 this year. So now you know my story and my ups and downs. Thank you Christine McCay. x
Christine, thank you so much for sharing your heart-touching story with ups and downs. I’m delighted to learn that you grew up with loving parents and siblings. And with their love and support, you persevered. Having a family creates a significant impact. I am doing my best to support my sister even though we live on different continents. Thank you again for reading my post and responding. With love, Natalya