It was bound to happen. After more than 100 blog posts and articles over the past 3 years, I hit a wall. I was finally at a loss for words. If you know me, that’s a rarity…I always have something to say! From pregnancy to child loss, infertility to parenting, I am definitely not at a loss for topics. But last month, I had a terrible case of writer’s block.
I was trying to write an article for a women’s website with the theme of “strength”. I was thrilled to tackle the topic because Peyton is the epitome of strength. Instead, I found myself staring at a blank computer screen. While words usually come to me easily, this time was different. I knew exactly what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it in an eloquent way. Peyton is the pillar of strength. While she may be a pint sized toddler, her inner strength far outweighs any physical weight. Peyton was fighting from day one; her first breath an extreme struggle, but her little lungs refused to give up. On paper, it looks like there should be no reason why she’s alive. Yet here she is, not only surviving, but thriving.
As I began to write the first few sentences, I stopped, then I erased it. I started up again, typing out my thoughts before eventually hitting the backspace button on my keyboard. I couldn’t come up with what I wanted to say. The perfectionist in me wasn’t happy until it was absolutely flawless. I shutdown the computer and vowed to start again. A day went by, then another and another. After a week, I decided to give up. I hate not completing something I put my mind to, but I realized that it was OK to take a step back. The past few months have been extremely busy between work, writing and family. I’ve poured my heart out to thousands of people around the world and I’ve been surprised and humbled by the number of people my words have touched. I took the rest of the month off and hit the reset button when 2016 arrived…and I’m glad I did. I feel energized and refreshed, ready to once again bare my soul to the world!
While I never finished that article on strength, I think it will eventually inspire my writing in the future. Shakespeare describes Peyton perfectly: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” That fierce pillar of strength is my daughter. Peyton is oblivious to her star status and the impact she’s had on so many people. She’s a medical miracle, creating her own story every step of the way. And I’m so lucky to be along for the journey.
Is there anything you’d like to know? A topic you’d like me to touch on? A story you want me to share?
Your blog touches my heart with every new posting! As a grandmother of a 17 year old and a 1 year old I embrace your words of strength, courage, endurance and LOVE through the eyes of grandma! I love seeing how far Peyton has come and how far mommy and daddy have come also! Please don’t stop posting… I look forward to seeing “my” Miss Peyton grow! ❤️
Another beautiful article, Stacey! Peyton has given hope to so many through your words and her deeds. She continues her march through life as a miracle and it is wonderful to be able to share in every step of your family’s success!
I know your blog has helped a lot of people. So please keep posting. It has been fun watching miss P grow and experience new things in her life. I am happy too to see that your family has come along way. May god bless your family. Tell Miss Peyton we all love her. she is so cute.
Please don’t stop what you are doing with your blog. I have been reading your blog since day one. I have admired and enjoyed your thoughts, your feelings and watching your tiplets fight hard to survive. I’m sorry that Abby and Parker aren’t here today, but they are as little angels watching over the family. The strength that you and Ryan have and the strength of Miss Peyton is undescribable. Your family has come so far and have endured so much,m you all are unbelievable.
I enjoy the Monday morning cuteness to see how well Miss Peyton is doing. I also enjoy your blog, pouring your heart and soul out there for thousands to read. That takes alot of strength.
Both you and Ryan are fantastic.
HI Peyton
Stacey,
I have been following your blog for quite sometime. Peyton sure is a little fighter and I feel a real kinship with her. I was born in 1948 at 24 weeks, weighing 2 lbs, 2 oz. You can imagine what my odds were back then in making it. Other than a slight hearing loss, I have done just fine. I pray ever day for Peyton that she has a good life. From one preemie to another, she is awesome.
Thank you Teresa for writing! You are quite the miracle story yourself! I love hearing from other micro-preemies…give so much hope to my family. Thanks for following our journey!
She is a sweet little girl and yes a wonderful gift from God and he was with you on all the time and she just brightens each week when you see how far she has come. And yes you have touch a lot of us with your stories and tears have been shed from them but we appreciate you sharing with us. You are a working Mother and still find time share with us your life and family, so if you have writers block sometimes that is okay.
i THINK YOU COULD GIVE SOME GREAT ADVICE ON HOW TO KEEP A MARRIAGE STRONG WHILE GOING THRU THE MEDICAL CRISIS AND STRESS OF PREMIES AND LOSS
Those pictures tell the story. You can tell that she is a little fighter. Wonderful to see how well she is doing win the picture of the two of you together.