While I usually don't post our query letters - the very first step in the process of writing our papers - I felt it would give people a good idea of what I am wrinting about. As I mentioned before, I chose to write about my grandpa's struggle with being a double amputee and having other health problems along the way. There is so much information to get in the next few days, but I can do it; my grandpa is always willing to talk about it. Read below to get an idea of my next, and final, paper for the year (I took out the editor's name/address at the beginning and mine at the end... didn't think people would be too interested in that!)I chose Notre Dame Magazine for the choice of publication, but it could change along the way. This was just for a start.
After arriving back home from a trip to China, Jim McNeile had gained a lot –new friends, new experiences, and a new appreciation for life. What he was about to lose, however, would soon change his life forever. After being diagnosed with diabetes years earlier, Jim has had numerous health problems but nothing compared to the intense pain he suddenly felt in his left leg and foot. He had no choice but to see a doctor.
As the doctor examined the situation, he didn’t have a good feeling about what probably needed to happen with Jim. Not wanting to tell him the inevitable news, the doctor stalled several times. Jim anxiously awaited; he waited so long that he eventually didn’t care what he heard – he wanted to hear something, anything.
After what seemed like days, the doctor returned back to Jim’s room with a grim face. What Jim was about to hear next would echo in his mind for the rest of his life.
“Jim, you’re going to lose your leg,” the doctor said solemnly. “I’m sorry.”
Jim stared at him. He knew what he heard, but he couldn’t grasp it. He couldn’t accept it. “Do I have to be in a wheelchair?” Jim asked naively. The answer, as he knew, was yes.
This was only the beginning of a trying journey for both Jim and his wife Theresa. Together, they both have realized love can sometimes take work; while it is not easy, it is all worth it in the end.
I plan to interview Jim McNeile about his experience with accepting what life has dealt him and being thankful for what he does have; Theresa McNeile, Jim’s wife and dedicated caretaker for many years; and Father Bill, a good friend of Jim’s who was a part of his journey and self-discovery process.
I think this article will fit nicely with Notre Dame Magazine, since most of their articles are feature stories on a variety of topics, with having a Catholic theme; through Jim’s experience, it has brought him closer to God. Also, being a publication in South Bend Ind., makes it a relevant publication choice since Jim McNeile currently resides here. The proposed article will be 1,000 to 1,200 words and can be available in two weeks.
I am a senior at Northern Kentucky University with a major in marketing and a minor in journalism. I worked as an intern/account coordinator with a small public relations and experiential marketing firm in Newport, Ky. This experience has allowed me to write press releases, personal biographies, testimonies, and a feature article. I was deeply inspired from hearing Jim McNeile’s story of strength and determination, and feel that I can effectively describe his remarkable journey. Having known Jim and Theresa McNeile for many years, I will be able to better illustrate the unconditional love that kept them from giving up on hope, each other, and most importantly, life.
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