By: Gary Rodgers
I find it interesting how life teaches us lessons in one aspect of our life so we can handle the challenges in other areas of life. The past six months have been some of the most stressful I can remember, but I navigated my way with the help of others and a lesson learned in writing.
In 2014, I attended a writer’s conference and became overwhelmed by the information shared on the art of writing. For someone who hadn’t written anything more than an email over the last forty years, it sounded more like operating a nuclear submarine. Too many rules on writing for an old man to comprehend. Instead, I sponsored a contest at the next writer’s conference. Then I joined the White County Creative Writers writing group to learn the basics of writing. It changed my mind about being a writer from It’s too hard to Why not me? Some rules are made to be broken.
In 2015, I won my first award in a writing contest, an honorable mention. Then in 2016, I won a first-place award for an animal short story. Looking back, my writing wasn’t the best, but my story was good. It was what the judges were looking for. From there, I was hooked.
In 2018, I had to get my first biopsy for possible prostate cancer. Like anyone else, the question on my mind was, Why me? Tests continued through 2019, and during this time period, I learned of two cousins going through cancer battles far worse than the one I might have. I realized I was looking at it all wrong. Instead of Why me, I started asking Why not me? I have a strong faith and a loving wife to stand beside me. The rest of my health overall is good. Why not me? I’m no better than anyone else.
But they didn’t find cancer, and both of my cousins passed from complications associated with their cancer over the next few years.
Life continued, and I survived the Covid years without getting Covid. I never missed a day of work in 2020, unlike many others I know. But I did a lot more writing from 2017 through 2023 and even won more awards than I ever imagined. The concept of Why not me, proved to be successful.
Then, in October 2024, all the testing finally revealed I had prostate cancer. My wife and I agreed, Why not me? We decided on the right treatment for me and prepared for the challenges ahead. After six weeks of radiation treatment, I was told the cancer was gone. I still have nine months of hormone therapy to complete, but the experience has raised a new question in my mind.
I’ve never written a book because I enjoy writing short stories, and a book requires much more dedication and planning. I’ve never plotted a story. I’m a pantser. Where do I even start? A writer’s conference, and a question mark. Why not me? Maybe this year will be the one where I get a book written.
How about you? Is there something you need to change your outlook about, from Why me to Why not me? The first step is sometimes the hardest, but it’s also the first step toward rewarding yourself with the satisfaction that you can do it. Now, get to stepping.
I have faith in you Gary can’t wait to read To read the book
Wonderful, Gary. Thanks for this part of your journey.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It struck home for me. Looking forward to learning life lessons as you share your writing with us.
Writing a story is like planting a flower in bloom. You see the story quickly, in its full glory. Plant a flower every day, and soon you will have a garden. That’s writing a novel.
You and Kim inspire me to keep writing someway, somewhere. You are a prime example of you grow through what you go through. I know this was a journey you didn’t sign up for, nobody ever does. You stood up, stepped to the plate and swung the bat, and with resolve and the prayers and encouragement of many, you have run the bases and and slid into home. Now you take your seat on the bench, and cheer for others up to bat, and I know you will Gary because that’s just the kind of person you are. So thankful the treatments are behind you. As you complete this last leg of your race, praying you are blessed to hear at every exam, you are Cancer Free!!