Inspiration

I saw a video online that reminded me of my son.  

My son is 4 years old and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  In short, he shows some of the signs of autism, but to a lesser degree than many, more severe patients.  He's in a great preschool program now and he's showing great signs of improvement.  When he's ready for kindergarten, he should be main-streamed.

His improvement makes me happy.  I look forward to a day when I can read him something I wrote as a bedtime story.  Of course, it'll be something with a lot less blood and guts as my usual gore-fest, but I want to read my work to him, even if I have to explore an unfamiliar genre.  When he's older, I want him to want to read Daddy's novels.  I want his feedback on if it was good or bad and what he thinks would make it better.  When he's a man, I want him to want to read Dad's work to his kids.  Most of all, I want him to be proud of Daddy.  I want him to look to me with the same love, awe, and respect I looked through when I was a boy looking at my Daddy.

I get inspiration for different stories from different places and at different times.  As writers, we should always keep our eyes open for the next idea that might take hold of our imagination.  But Sam is the reason I write at all nowadays.  I feel that success as a writer will make him most proud of me.  When I look at my current stories, I wonder, "What will Sam think when he reads this?"  

Sam, when you read all this one day, I want you to know that Daddy loves you very much.  You are my inspiration to be the best writer - to be the best man - I can be.  You've given me the gift every writer needs to succeed: motivation! You make me want to write.  I hope you're proud of what Daddy does.

Give your father a call. I'm sure he misses you.