Do you believe in miracles?

I do!!! Recently, I met my most adored writer & author, James McBride.  He published “Miracle at St. Anna”, “Song Yet Sung”, “The Color of Water”, and many other titles.  He signed a couple of his books for me and I gave him my book, Girtie: Special Edition.  This may not seem like a big deal. But think about it.  James McBride’s co-producer and director of the film Miracle at St. Anna is based on a best seller!!  If he likes Girtie’s short story, who knows.. he just may want to see it produced in film.  Again.  I believe in miracles.

Part of the miracle was that I almost didn’t go to the 2024 National Book festival hosted by the Library of Congress in the first place. Unfortunately, I developed cataracts in both eyes and I’m not happy about having poor eyesight.  And getting ready for eye surgery is pretty scary. So, after all the planning and preparation to see my most adored author, was actually cancelled.  But the day before the event, my sweetheart husband Wayne insisted that I go because he’d hang out with me!  I couldn’t say no.  Wayne had cancelled all his business plans for the day.  What a surprise.

The crowd size for James McBride autograph line was about 700-800 people with an agenda that indicated a time limit of one hour. There was at least 200 people in front of me as the time was running out.  I gave up.  It was no way I’d get an autograph and hand him my book.  Suddenly we were informed that James McBride would stay past the time limit and “try” to meet each person, providing we meet certain demands.  We couldn’t have a lengthy conversation, and we had to open the book on the page for his autograph.  Volunteers handed out post-it-notes to mark the page(s).

So, I practiced something short and quick to say. and marked my pages. Finally, it was my turn.  Wouldn’t you already know!!I forgot everything I had practiced.  All I could manage to say was “Hi”. I was in awe of him.  He did all the talking, gave me his autograph, and I hand him my book.  Oh, Wayne thanked him for waiting, giving me a hint to congratulate him for being the Library of Congress’s pick to receive the 2024 American Fiction Writer Award.
He smiled.  It was over.  I couldn’t believe it.  I had autographed my book Girtie with a personal note and as I walked away amazed, I wondered if he woould make time to read.  But that doesn’t.  The fact is, against all odds, I have a treasure of memories and autographs from James McBride, a famous author!

Are you waiting for a miracle?  You must first believe – against all odds.  One last thing, sometimes miracles hide. So, look for them in places you might least expect.  Then press your way forward.  Remember, little miracles count as much as the big ones!

With love,
Doris