Read this true story of Debbie the Dreamer
Debbie Macomber had a dream. She wanted to be a writer, so she rented a typewriter, and every morning after her kids went to school she put it on the kitchen table and began typing. When the kids returned home she would put it away and serve dinner. But as soon as the kids were tucked in their beds she would pull that old typewriter out again and write some more.
And believe it or not Debbie did this for 2.5 years without a stitch of success and in the process had become a struggling writer, and she couldn't be happier.
One night, however, her husband, Wayne, sat down with her. "Debbie, he said, I'm afraid we can't do this anymore. You're not making any money and we can't survive on my income alone. You're going to have to go out and get a job."
Upon hearing those words, Debbie's heart nearly broke. With all of the costs and responsibilities of keeping up the house, driving 4 kids to sports and working 40 hours per week she knew there would be no time for writing. Her dream would be over.
But in the days to follow Wayne could sense the resignation and despair coming from his wife, so he asked her "what's wrong?"
She replied "Wayne, I really think I could've made it as a writer. I really do."
There was a long period of silence before Wayne spoke again, and when he did he said "All right, honey, go for it."
And with that the struggling writer and supermom was back in business! Debbie put the typewriter back on the kitchen table and she began pounding out page after page for another 2.5 years and again with nary a thing to show for her efforts. During those times money was tight for Wayne, Debbie and their family and to keep the dream alive the family cut corners wherever they could: pinching pennies, not taking holidays, and wearing hand-me-downs.
But it was all worth it because in that 5th year Debbie sold her first book, and then another, and another until at present count Debbie has had over 100 books published, many of them best sellers on the New York Times best seller list with 3 of those being sold for movies.
And all created from her kitchen table with an old typewriter, a support system and a dream.
To broaden Debbie's story, Wayne's world (full pun intended) looks like this now: For his sacrifice and belief in his wife he got to retire at 50.
And Debbie's kids, well perhaps they received the greatest gift of all. They saw their mom chase her dream and through her example they were given permission and encouraged to pursue their own dreams.
What about you? What dream are you working on?
Whether it be big or small they all count
They all matter
Because You Matter!