Tonight, as I sat on our soft and comfortable sofa watching Yo Gabba Gabba with my rowdy bunch, all I could think of were two important things. The first: I tried to escape from DJ Lance's obnoxious laughter by calculating when Catie needed her evening dose of antibiotic and pain medication (Yes! Strep throat has crept into our safe haven once again.), and two: Ultimately, I tried to convince myself that Gram's salt-water pool did a terrific job of cleaning the youngest three kiddos and this justified me skipping the half-hour screaming match of who has more bath bubbles than the other.
So, just when I was beginning to feel somewhat relaxed and proud of myself for all I had accomplished in one day (seeing my children cuddled next to one another on the sofa nearly made a few tears escape my eyes), Trae called and said he needed to spend the night in Gainsville due to a late customer ordering fifty-four bails of hay for delivery ASAP tomorrow morning.
Perfect. A-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y perfect!
But instead of shrivelling up into a tight ball and rolling myself out the front door of our home, I thought back a few hours to the moment I bumped into Mr. Jan, one of the greatest supporters of my writing endeavor, at the Washington County Public Library.
Mr. Jan, I'm sure if you're reading this post, you're a bit confused as to why I'm namedropping you into this rabbit chase. Well, the reason is simply because it wouldn't be fair to exclude your contribution to my happy ending.
The point I'm trying to make is that while most of us never realize the impact or "weight" of our words until something spectacular, or in other cases, something disastrous occurs, there are some, however, that do notice, and they are better people for it.
Lucky for me, when I approached the lady from behind the information desk at the library, Mr. Jan and his wife rounded the corner of the media center and gave a cheerful, "Hello," that followed by, "We sure hope your book gets published soon so we can read it!"
Mr. Jan, it was almost as if you knew what to say with your kind words and thoughtful questions about the status of my querying to perk my spirits. Not only did you inspire the idea for this post, you also reaffirmed that folks are truly reading my words and even some look forward to hearing more about my journey to publication.
So thanks to you, Mr. Jan, I found reason to tear myself away from Yo Gabba Gabba and take note to my children cuddled so sweetly with one another on the sofa! Thanks to you, I found reason to sit in front of this computer and free myself from the stress and turmoil that wanted so badly to tear my sanity into shreds.
Now, I feel confident that my head will hit the pillow softly and all the chaos in my life will disappear. So THANKS. THANKS. THANKS. Mr. Jan, for being such an amazing person!
In closing, I'd like to know if your mood has been altered lately by the words of others? If so, please feel free to share in the comment section below.
Good night, everyone! Tory
Tory, I am humbled by your comments that Vena and I made your day a little better. I really do look forward to reading everything you write. You have that special ability to make routine and mundane events so interesting and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteYou are a rare and gifted person that makes the world a better place for all of us.
Jan
As always, Mr. Jan, your comments are so encouraging and uplifting. When I come across people like you, I feel motivated and determined to keep trying. Thanks so much for stopping by, and for being such a supportive person!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've heard wonderful, uplifting words, both online and in person. They make me glow inside. And I'm more likely to remember them than the negative words of toxic people.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Medeia! I've always been a firm believer that kindness can change the world. It still amazes me, though, at the depth some people will go to crush others dreams. It's sad. Truly sad.
ReplyDelete