SEPTEMBER 2019 EDA INCLUSIVE: Through My Words Of Healing - by Jewel

Hello my lovelies,

    As many of you may remember, I ran a contest when I released my autobiography, asking to hear all of your stories and the obstacles you have faced, and how you overcame them. I knew we all have stories - that my story isn't that unique. So many of us face life with heroism. All of your applications were touching beyond measure. I picked a winner named Eryn Blythe, whose story I know you will be touched by as well. 

    Eryn wrote her life story down for me, and I promised to turn it into a song. To do this I recruited my dad's help - as the healing of our relationship has been a great source of comfort and joy, and being able to write this touching story with him meant a lot to each of us. Eryn had a difficult childhood, and worked hard to make a better life for herself, to build a family and a career. She exhausted herself doing so, but was happy to give. She has developed Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS aka Lou Gehrig's disease), a neurodegenerative disease that kills the neurons that control voluntary muscle movement and in most cases is eventually fatal. 

    My dad and I were tasked with writing a song that Eryn’s children would have forever as a legacy. The task of writing the words her children would turn to once their mother has passed - the words their mother most wants them to know during life’s twists and turns. It was a heavy - the thought of children having this song forever made me cry to where I could hardly sing. What she wrote for her children was so touching ... and it was an honor to put her thoughts into the song. 

    This song has been a gift. I am honored to share Eryn's story. Her life hasn’t been easy for her. In fact, since she wrote to me the first time, her husband left her, yet she is continuing to find ways to love and to support her children. They are lucky to have her - I can tell you that! She is strong and kind and a heroic role model. I hope you love this song as much as my dad and I do. 

Jewel 
(We are not in the business of fighting darkness, we are farmers of light.)