Why do you blog?
Good morning—or, well, afternoon, since I just up feeling a bit behind! Living with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and being bedridden means my days don’t always follow a typical schedule. Fatigue and the unpredictability of my condition often dictate when I can pour my energy into something meaningful. Today’s prompt, “Why do you blog?”, hit me hard because it’s a chance to reflect on what keeps me going, even when I’m late to the party. Blogging has become my lifeline, a way to connect, inspire, and share my passion for a project close to my heart: bringing George and the Brave Eagle, a children’s picture book for ages 3-6, to life through my GoFundMe campaign. Here’s why I blog, despite the challenges of CKD and the constraints of my bed.
A Voice Beyond the Bed
When you’re bedridden with Stage 4 CKD, the world can feel small. My kidneys are functioning at an eGFR of 15-29, which means constant fatigue, swelling, and a strict regimen of diet and fluids. Some days, it’s hard to do more than rest. But blogging? It’s my way of breaking free from those physical limits. Through words, I can reach beyond my bedroom, connect with others, and share my story. Blogging gives me a voice when my body tries to silence me. It’s a reminder that I’m still here, still creating, still dreaming—especially about publishing George and the Brave Eagle, a story of courage and adventure for young readers.
Inspiring Through My Journey
I blog because I want to inspire others, whether they’re facing chronic illness or simply chasing a dream. My journey with CKD isn’t easy, but it’s taught me resilience. By sharing the highs and lows—how I manage the exhaustion, the hope I find in small moments, and the fire in my heart for projects like George and the Brave Eagle—I hope to show others that challenges don’t have to define us. Blogging lets me be honest about the tough days while celebrating the victories, like launching a GoFundMe to fund vibrant illustrations, editing, and printing for this children’s book. If my words can encourage even one person to keep going, it’s worth it.
Building a Community for George and the Brave Eagle
Blogging is also my way of rallying a community around a cause bigger than myself. George and the Brave Eagle is a picture book for 3-6-year-olds, packed with lessons about bravery and friendship. As the author of the Discovering Misty series, I know the power of stories to spark imagination in kids. But publishing a book takes resources, and my health limits my ability to fund it alone. That’s why I started a GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/8ae74f35) to raise $5,000 for illustrations, printing, editing, and more. Blogging helps me spread the word, connect with supporters, and invite others to join this dream. Every post is a chance to share updates, celebrate milestones (like that first $10 donation!), and thank the community that’s helping this book soar.
Finding Purpose in Every Word
Why do I blog? Because it gives me purpose. On days when CKD makes me feel powerless, writing reminds me I can still make a difference. Whether I’m sharing the realities of my health, reflecting on life’s lessons, or championing George and the Brave Eagle, blogging is my way of staying connected to the world and to myself. It’s a space to process, dream, and invite others to be part of something beautiful. Even waking up late today, I’m here, typing away, because these words matter—to me, to George’s story, and to the kids who’ll one day hold this book.
So, I invite you to join me. Check out the GoFundMe for George and the Brave Eagle at https://gofund.me/8ae74f35 and consider contributing or sharing it with others. Let’s bring this story of courage to young readers together. And if you blog, too, tell me—why do you write? Let’s keep inspiring each other, no matter how late we start the day.
Shirley
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