Out of Sadness, a Book is Born…

The TV is off.  That’s a big deal for me.  I’m afraid to turn it on and have to watch what’s going on in Boston.  It makes me sad.  It makes me lose hope for the future of our descendants.  What kind of world are we leaving them?  What kind of legacy are we leaving behind after we’re gone?  This certainly couldn’t be what my ancestors imagined hundreds of years ago when they landed on Plymouth Rock.

I’m caught in a bittersweet conundrum.  Just after I heard about the bombings in Boston, I got word from the printers that the hardbacks of Gridley Girls:  A True-Life Novel will be ready for me to pick up tomorrow.  I am so excited to get to drive up north a day early.  They have been rushing to complete the books in time for a Fundraiser at my house Thursday night.  Minnesota has been under the siege of crazy spring storms for the last two weeks giving us record snow.  More storms are due on Wednesday and Thursday so it was now or never.  Luckily, Minnesotans are a hardy bunch and Bang Printing is no exception to that rule.  They have busted out their tough work ethic to get me up there ahead of the weather.

I feel like I’ve been pregnant for eight years and tomorrow I get to drive up north to have a long-awaited scheduled c-section.

Eight years.

Really it’s been 35 years since the dream was first born.  Since that day in Mr. Erickson’s eighth grade English class where I realized I might actually know how to write.  That day when I first realized that when I write a story, I can keep people alive.  I can do what God couldn’t do for us.

I can keep people alive.

So tonight, when you tuck your kids into bed, or get caught up in the news stories of the tragedy in Boston, the birthplace of this great country, remember that hope is still there.  Remember that love is still there.  We’re still Americans, strong and true.  And if that isn’t enough to help you, then write it down.  Write about it.  Whatever it is that’s bothering you or making you fearful:  write it down and change the outcome.  Make it beautiful, even if only in your mind.

Because you can keep people alive too.

Y.A.L.

Meredith