Persevering Paige

‪I want to get a part of my favorite Fitzgerald quote tattooed on me. “I was within and without.” I believe Fitzgerald was one of the most influential and talented writers of all time. I also believe truly good literature is timeless. I was within and without describes every situation I have ever been in, I was within and without. Looking at my Dad in some of our final memories together as if I knew but didn’t know, I was within and without. Watching my Mom slip away from pain and my life on my 14th birthday, I was within and without. Sitting in the spot where my best friend and I used to laugh, I was within and without. Watching the person I loved for so long walk away from me like I wasn’t much of anything, I was within and without. Seeing the sunset over the mountains as I’m driving down the highway and breathe lightly, I was within and without. It’s amazing how literature unifies all experiences and makes us one.

A professor of mine asked me why when people say they aren’t good at math they can laugh about it and often do. Yet, when someone says they aren’t a good writer, there are often real tears involved.

Writing makes the human condition meaningful and worthwhile. It connects us all and it will always be necessary.

If you ever wonder why I love what I do, you shouldn’t.