<center><sub>This is a complementary series for the Steemit-exclusive, original novel [A Day in the Clouds](https://steemit.com/fiction/@jedau/a-day-in-the-clouds-original-novel-for-steemit-series-announcement). Be sure to check out the [final chapter](https://steemit.com/fiction/@jedau/a-day-in-the-clouds-chapter-24-the-hours-between-0400-and-0500) before you read this post to avoid spoilers.</sub></center>

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<a href="https://steemit.com/fiction/@jedau/a-day-in-the-clouds-1498532817-1375682">TABLE OF CONTENTS</a>
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<a href="https://steemit.com/writing/@jedau/silver-lining-24-part-2-of-3"><< #23 (Part 2 of 3)</a>

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![chapter_24_3](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/http://dirtyimg.com/image/chapter_24_3.png)


*First of all, let me just apologize for the delay in posting this. I have been without internet for more than 3 days now, and I'm only able to post this because I'm currently leeching off @randomli's internet. I hope this doesn't take away from the emotional momentum I had built up. Do let me know if it does in the comments section. I'll get back to replying and commenting full-time when my internet is restored.*

# The Experience

This was such a rollercoaster ride! I never expected any less. It was a rough going at the start. There were times when I wanted to just stop. No one would know since nobody was reading. Then came the awesome people who lent their time to lift my spirits up. There were a lot of highs, and a lot of lows. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

When it comes down to it, success on Steemit is all about fortitude. Having the strength to persevere despite every set back is the factor that separates those who will experience long-term success and those who flame out. Now, I'm in no position to give out advice, as I'm just a lowly minnow. I'm *still* a minnow, while most of the other users I interacted with when I begun have since went on to become dolphins and whales. I've been here for almost a year, and my meager reputation and measly wallet is all I have to show for. That's what many might think...

Admittedly, that's what I used to think as well. @lukestokes had a hand in setting my expectations straight. These days, if you ask me what I have to show for, I would immediately direct you to the comments section, and the comments section of all the people I support. When I say that I leave heartfelt comments, I really mean it. And I'm glad that even though I have nothing to show for in my wallet, I have built a reputation of being a genuine commenter, who seeks to uplift and encourage others. Will that translate to success in STEEM, time, as they say, will tell.

I've written this series for NaNoWriMo last year, but I've been editing this story for almost half a year. I've been writing **SILVER LINING**s to keep people entertained, and I've sacrificed 6 months, and God only knows how many dollars just to fulfill a promise I made when I started this journey. Even though only a few heeded my call to donate, I rest easy knowing that I devoted half a year to help a young, differently abled boy live a better life.

It used to be that you'll see me complain about the love not being spread around, but those days are behind me. If the STEEM flows in other directions and other charities, then so be it. It's their prerogative, and I'm just happy for the trickle that comes my advocacy's way.

# The Road Ahead

I haven't written anything past this, which is new for me since I have three to five posts lined up at any given time. It's exciting and scary at the same time.

https://steemitimages.com/0x0/http://dirtyimg.com/image/zepp.jpg

Ledd's journey may have ended, but Zepp's journey still continues. If you have spare STEEM that you care to share with him, feel free to send some @zeppelin's way. I won't have any access to that account, so please don't send it to me to forward to them. This is the last post whose earnings I will send their way.

From here on in, I'm going to be a bit selfish with what I earn. I feel burnt out, but a different kind of exhaustion from the one that forced me to a hiatus months back. I feel fulfilled. I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I didn't ask for alms just for nothing. All the money donated to Zepp's cause was borne out of a labor of love. There was no huge community surge behind this, just the support of some magnificent people who comment and resteem my posts. There were no whales who actively campaigned for this, and I worked hard for all the money sent Zepp's way. There was no sob story, just an empowering tale about an innocent child who seems powerless, but, in reality, has power beyond measure.

This is not a knock on anybody else, this is just me shedding my self-deprecating nature and lifting myself up for the hard work that I have done for half a year. If I won't ever produce another hit, I will rest easy knowing that this was the legacy I left. All the time, sweat and tears I poured into this passion piece was dedicated to help improve Zepp's life. He might never fully appreciate the gesture, but I don't care. As long as he lives a better life, and this labor of love helped him achieve it, then I would die a happy man.

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<h3>Voting for witnesses is free, but your one vote could dictate the course of this platform.</h3>
<h5>Vote for @lukestokes' witness [lukestokes.mhth](https://steemit.com/~witnesses) to help Steemit stop the Replicant threat</h5>
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<h3>From the bottom of my heart and soul, thank you for reading!</h3>
<h5>I'm taking a short break, but I will reply to every comment when I get back!</h5>
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