On my 10th birthday, my eldest sister gave me a five year diary. I wrote with dedication and discipline, watching my journaling skills develop. Since that time, I’ve kept a diary. I give the distinction of journal because in addition to private thoughts I should keep to myself, I consider it a recording of my life and the events therein.
Now, I proudly have 40 years worth of journals that move with me as I move. My chronicle. I joke that much of it is good sleeping material, but sadly a lot of it is filled with sickness and pain.
I have another platform to document my journey. My best friend asked me to post videos telling of my heart attacks. Our lives have mirrored each other in many ways and since I love her, I promised to do it. I started recording roughly six weeks ago. Perhaps it’s cathartic, but mostly, it’s hard. That’s just a fact of my life. I live through that experience everyday with the help of my current health and mental triggers that feel like a mental prison at times. Conversely, they are reminders of the miracle I enjoy everyday I wake up and have opportunities to serve the Lord and others.
I’m not recording the videos hoping for millions of viewers and subscribers. I try to mention in each one that my goal is to help others that need support coping with similar experiences or family members or loved ones that need healing in their own way.
The videos also allow me to remind others of my unique experience and that it continues. It’s a lifestyle that I challenge my loved ones and myself to meet everyday. My writing is still present in my life. I’m glad that I still have a gift with words. I remain confident that I will be able to share more stories from my imagination. Presently, these videos serve as an explanation why it will take more time.
Monique Hall, a.k.a. M. A. Marrissette, Author 