Dear Stephanie,
Happy Birthday!
I received the most amazing news today, but I think you probably already know about it. I suspect you had something to do with it.
Last summer, one of my favorite authors, Linda Reilly, had a contest. She asked for ideas to name the upcoming fourth book in her Grilled Cheese Mystery series. I submitted my idea and from the list of titles that were given, Linda selected five to submit to her editor and publisher. Ultimately, they would make the decision, and there was no guarantee any of the ideas that fans submitted would be chosen. If chosen, the "winner" would receive a free signed copy of the book and their name would be listed in the acknowledgements in the book.
THIS MORNING I RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM LINDA TELLING ME THAT I WON!!! This series is meaningful to me because National Grilled Cheese Day is on my birthday. And today, on your birthday, I found out this exciting news! It's because of you that I discovered cozies and an entire community of fellow cozy mystery fans, both readers and authors. Thank you!
I usually reflect on the previous year in these annual posts. This year, I want to reflect on four friends I lost in 2023:
Nate - I never met Nate in person. I got to know him through the weekly spina bifida meetups on Zoom (which have moved to just once a month this year) and private conversations over the past couple of years. We sometimes exchanged Wordle results. He gave me the opportunity to be a guest on his podcast. I was reluctant at first, but I eventually worked up the courage to do it. I talked a lot about you. I think sharing my story can help other people, which was why I decided to do it. I had always hoped to meet Nate in person. He made me laugh so much! We had the silliest conversations sometimes.
Ben - What an amazing human! I met Ben in person twice through the same organization I met Nate. I knew him for less than one year, but he was one of the most down-to-earth, open-minded people I have ever known. I looked forward to getting to know him better. He also had a quirky sense of humor that I adored. And he was really good at Wordle! Ben loved to read like I do and he was originally from where the Fairy Garden Mysteries are set (though he wasn't into cozy mysteries). I always thought it was cool he was from Carmel. He sent me a picture of it not long before he passed.
Jimmy - You knew Jimmy as well, since we went to the same elementary school, so you know how much he meant to me. Although we drifted apart over the years, he'll always hold a special place in my heart. Even though his fiancee passed on my birthday, he always found it in his heart to wish me a happy day. I miss his Happy Birthday wishes already.
Jeff - Like Jimmy, you knew Jeff as well. I invited him to join the weekly spina bifida virtual meetups a couple years ago and he regularly attended. He loved being a part of that group and he always had a lot to say. His love for those virtual meetups was confirmed when I called his mom the day he passed and she told me. It felt strange calling her after all these years of not talking to her, but she was so happy to hear from me.
If you see any of these guys, please tell them how much I miss them. The world sure is different without them, as it is without you.
Okay, well I'm going to get to bed now. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow when I watch Barbie. I think you would have enjoyed watching it with me. I've heard it's very pink! :-D
Luv ya lots,
Meezan
No comments:
Post a Comment