by Karen Umrysh

Created on: July 30, 2009   Last Updated: August 30, 2009

As far back as I can remember, there were two things I knew I wanted to do with my life: one was to sing; the other, to write. There is something very peaceful about getting your words down on paper or-in this case-your computer screen. It's like giving your brain some time off. You can dump all of your thoughts and emotions and know that they will be there, captured in time. If you choose to share your written work, having your readers agree or relate to those thoughts and emotions may be important in some cases, but just being passionate about it can also reap rewards...

Recently I became a first-time mother and-as most mothers love to bestow special gifts upon their children-I had already planned way before the birth what one of those special gifts would be. I decided to share my passion of writing with my baby by piecing together a gift that she could carry with her throughout her lifetime. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I began to write to my growing baby, reflecting on the joys of pregnancy and the impending birth. Through the power of words, I 'spoke' to my child about my excitement and joy: what it was like to feel her kicks; how funny her hiccups were in the womb; how Daddy had already bought her her first book of nursery rhymes. My husband joined in and we took our turns writing in the journal whenever we felt compelled to do so. When we found out we were expecting a girl, our entries became even more intimate as we had already chosen her name.

Following our daughter's arrival, we continue this ritual as each day brings us something new to reflect upon. We will continue to do this throughout her school and teenage years and surprise her on her eighteenth birthday with this wonderful, priceless gift of her early life with us. Perhaps this is not a 'new' idea, but it is a great reminder of why writing has become such an important part of my life.

And while it would be wonderful to turn my writing into a lucrative career, I know that no matter how many-or how little-paid writing jobs I secure, I'll be a successful writer nonetheless. At least I know that's how I'll feel when I see the twinkle in my daughter's eye on her eighteenth birthday.

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