Not sure how long. It could be a month. Could be much
longer. My life has simply become crazy busy, hectic, and overwhelmed. I need
to put my focus on other things right now:
My Sons. Both lie on opposite ends of the educational
spectrum: one gifted, one in special education. If you’ve ever advocated for
someone, you know this can become a full-time job. Plus, my kiddo in Special Ed
has been through the wringer when it comes to health issues this year. His
latest is a sudden bout of seizures. I am extremely well-informed about
everything else going on with him, but not this. I am ill-prepared to converse
with neurologists and handle this new development in his life. My son who is
gifted always seems to be bored. So it’s quite the challenge to keep him
engaged and to make sure he’s getting what he needs on a daily basis. Plus, I’ve
decided to join the Gifted Advisory Committee in his school district.
Real Job. Yeah…I need to get one. Writing is definitely not
paying the bills. My husband has been hugely supportive in carrying the weight
of our financial obligations. I had hoped I could supplement our income with
publishing my writing. That hasn’t happened yet, so I need to get myself back
into the real world with a paying job.
My Health. As many of you may know, I was diagnosed with
breast cancer earlier this year. The stress and pressure I put myself under
does not help to keep me well. I need to get in shape, work on a good diet plan,
and simply take care of me.
All this being said, you can still find me at Moxie Writers.
I truly believe in what Rebecca and I are doing over there: connecting with
teens, working to spread awareness about tough issues like bullying and teen
dating violence. We have oh-so many wonderful plans and ideas for that site. So
there is no way I can give that up. Nor do I want to.
Though I will not post to my blog, I will make an effort to
visit all the wonderful people I have met through blogging. I am grateful for
every single one of you. I have received so much support and encouragement from
my writerly friends. Thank you so much for that! I wish you all so much success
in everything you do.

We'll miss having you around Susan, but family and self come first. Hopefully life will straighten out soon. Thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteEJ
I'm with E.J. 100%.
ReplyDeleteAs it happens, I lived a similar situation as your kids. My brother went to special ed with dyslexia caused by meningitis and I was gifted.
Of course, it's not even close to how opposite your children are. I'm so sorry to hear about your son's seizures on top of everything else.
Thinking of you and praying for you.
Your hands are full and your family is important. Good luck with everything, Susan!
ReplyDeleteYour health and your family come first! We'll miss you, but take care of the home front first.
ReplyDeleteSusan, you will be missed but you have your priorities straight. I'll be keeping you all in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Take care, be well, be strong, be happy! Gentle hugs . . .
ReplyDeleteI'll say goodbye for now and send my very best wishes for your return to good health.
ReplyDeleteCyber hug to you.
Susan, Take care of yourself and your family. Praying for improved health for you all. A break sounds more than appropriate. Good luck. I hope you are able to continue writing as I have enjoyed your blog and published work.
ReplyDeleteI hope things get better soon, Susan.
ReplyDelete*Prayers and Hugs*
I shall miss you. I hope that the cancer goes into remission.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your blog. But it is good to take a break. Good thing I still have you at Moxie Writers. We are going to have fun!
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteIf there is anything I can do to help you personally feel better. I have gone through SEVERAL bouts of ill health over the years ... crippling arthritis, not walking for almost ten years, high blood pressure, SEVERE over weight ( we taurus' love to eat.... lol. But not the healthiest) Over the past few years I have dropped over eighty pounds, I exercise daily and watch EVERYTHING i eat, but once you get on a program it really isn't difficult. I seriously can help you. I know a LOT about nutrition and supplements.
I HATE cancer. I have lost many a family and friend to it. The first step is to FIGHT. Change your lifestyle completely to a healthy one and KNOW YOU WILL BEAT IT!
You have a family who LOVES and NEEDS you. Taking care of YOU, directly takes care of THEM.
I am here if you need anything. I will miss you, but I will see you at Moxy writers.
PLEASE take care of YOU and REMEMBER ... we are ALL here for you.
Michael
I completely understand your choice, Susan. You'll be back, but in the mean time, take care of YOU.
ReplyDeleteAloha Susan,
ReplyDeleteGood luck, God bless and sending you the very best wishes that all the points mentioned above will be addressed somehow, someway.
Someone once said "Focus on the Family." That Dr. Dobson's a smart guy and I know you are making the right decision for you and yours :)
((SUSAN))
Family and health first always. Best wishes to your family and to you, Susan.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter had epilepsy (has since grown out of it), and watching someone you love convulse is terrifying. I feel for you. So much is unknown about seizures; even still, I tried to read up on it as much as I could. Be your own and your child's advocate. And then pamper yourself a little. You deserve it.
I'm just coming back and you're saying goodbye. :( I'll definitely be following you on Moxie Writers though! Good luck with everything!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll miss your blog, Susan, and I wish you and your family all the best. Take care of yourself and those beautiful sons of yours. Sending many hugs and good wishes your way.
ReplyDeleteSee you at Moxie Writers!
So long. Get better. Take care of your family. People and loved ones rank much higher than blogging. Hope to run into you again one day.
ReplyDeleteOh, Susan, take care of yourself and your family first! I'll be thinking of you all this holiday season (and onwards), sending thoughts, prayers and virtual hugs!
ReplyDeleteSusan, do what you need to do to take care of yourself and your family. I'll visit you and Moxie Writers!
ReplyDeleteHey, Susan,
ReplyDeleteThings seem to be really happening all at once in your world. Here's hoping that you and your family have a wonderful season together and that everything begins to fall in place and stay that way. Hugs.
I am sending prayers and thought your way right now! And my support. And I hope you will not say good bye, but rather so long and see you around.
ReplyDeleteYou know how I feel about Zane. I didn't know of your terrible cancer and I emphathize with you Susan. Please try to eat a lot of fruit and high water-content vegetables.
ReplyDeleteSee ya' later.
Susan, Totally understandable. I'm so glad you've decided to focus on the more important things in life. I'm sending constant positive thoughts and prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
dear susan--i am so sorry i am just seeing this---i was not aware you had cancer---and the seizure situation is very near to me,---i will keep you all in my heart and prayers---i am sorry i haven't been by before now---love and peace<3
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in our thoughts and prayers, stay strong:)
ReplyDeleteI'm way behind on reading blogs and am just now catching up. I didn't know about your diagnosis. You are in my prayers and I hope all is going well for you.
ReplyDeleteI so hear what you're experiencing. I wanted to take March off to take care of my other life--the one where I take care of kids, parents, husband and friends, but that can't happen. Instead, I'm up earlier and to bed later.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself and those you love.
I so understand crazy busy. See you in April for the A to Z Campaigning.
ReplyDeleteLife happens. You do what you have to do. We'll be here for you when you are able, but for now, take care of you! :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm a newbie to your blog. Basically somehow fell onto your website for Zane through the FB postings of my niece who had a preemie girl who's doing very well. She is now a moral support for others whose babies were born with health issues. Professionally and personally your life is an immediate inspiration! I'm a 'wayward' graphic designer who can relate to your 'goodbye' blog about the 'real job', the caring and giving, and stepping back for awhile. Keep the Faith!
ReplyDelete