Help Wanted...

I was going to keep this a private matter, but I have realized that I am terrible at keeping secrets. I have sent query letters to publishers of magazines, inviting the editors to view my blog and expressing my interest in writing a piece for their publication. To date, I have not heard a response.

I know that it may take weeks, or even months, to receive a response. I know that John Boy Walton received hundreds of denial letters in the mail when he was trying to publish his novel on The Waltons. I suppose I expected a similar response. Apparently times have changed, and we no longer live in the courteous world of that television family. It is possible that I will never receive the courtesy of a denial.

Although I am frustrated, I will not give up. I know that I have an unusual story and unique perspective on parenting and life. Resources for amputee parents are limited and the need is increasing. My readership is small in number but has been growing steadily every month. I know that there is a greater audience to reach. I want to reach out to other amputees to let them know that the world can be crazy when you've lost a limb but that it can also be wonderful.

An acquaintance recently referenced my "silly little blog." He didn't mean to be unkind, and, truth be told, he has never understood my venture. Still, that statement really hurt. I felt that my efforts and my aspirations were devalued.

For me, my blog is much more than posts on the Internet. If I have written "a silly little blog," then I what I have been doing for the past year has been a wasted effort. I don't believe this to be true. I am proud of what I've written.

I have received multiple offers promising resources, assistance and support towards obtaining more mainstream publishing possibilities. While I appreciate all of these well meaning offers, I have come to the realization that they are merely gestures of goodwill. I have attempted to solicit both information and assistance to no avail.

Asking for help does not come easily for me. I feel rejected and gun-shy when my inquiries are ignored. I am starting to feel discouraged.

I am going to continue blogging and writing. I am going to continue researching magazines and newspapers to pursue a column. I am not going to give up because I believe that I can help others by relating my experiences, and I believe in myself.

I am at a point in this journey where I must elicit help. If you know of a publication that might benefit from the thoughts and musings of the Amputee Mommy, please let me know. If you are familiar with a publisher that might be able to assist me with bringing my words to publication, please let me know. Thank you for reading my blog and for making my dreams a reality.