This is my love letter to you. On Monday night I had the opportunity to experience one of the most wonderful nights of my life thanks to you. I could have never imagined the impact seeing all of you stream in to the Watertown Library would have on my heart. It is almost indescribable. But, as a newly published writer, I should at least give it a shot.
People traveled over distance and time to be there on Monday night. Friends and colleagues I hadn't seen in years--lots of years--were seated in the hard, wooden chairs to listen to me read from my book. My brother flew in from California. In-laws drove in from Buffalo. Every member of my family within driving distance was there to help out and make the evening beautiful and smooth-running. And memorable.
But it wasn't just the folks who showed up on Monday. It has been all the messages of congratulations and other well-wishing from the friends and family who couldn't be there that have contributed to this elation that has kept me walking several feet off the ground. I got texts, emails, Facebook messages, and notes. Every word is like a pat on the back, a smile, a "well done."
And you bought my book! Let's not forget that! People stood in line to buy my book! People logged on to Amazon or contacted me directly to get a copy. If that isn't a great feeling, then I don't know what is. Of course I figured that my parents would buy a copy and, hopefully, my husband and kids and best friends. But there are hundreds of books being sold and I don't even know how to understand that. By smiling, that's how.
To be honest, I haven't actually been all that fun to be around the last couple of days, though. A little bit of insanity sets in after such a momentous event. At least it did for me. A feeling a little bit like post-partum depression or how it feels to finish a play sets in; as if something is missing. I've been advised that it is the reality of everything going back to normal and it could be partly that. I did sit at my desk all day on Tuesday, writing reports and monitoring visits, but I had anticipated that. I was pretty sure that the Lear jet wasn't waiting to whisk me away to be inteviewed by Ellen or Jimmy. I haven't even been interviewed by any local media! (Yet!)
No, it's more like a combination of all of the above with a little exhaustion thrown in. But do not, for one moment, think that it means that the euphoric and thrilling feelings and emotions that made my book launch a singularly affirming and significant event in my life have dissipated. No way. The realization of a dream, the achievement of a goal, finding another piece of one's self; that doesn't go away too quickly. It sticks around and becomes the Way Things Are Now; different than the Way Things Were Before. Now, I am a published author and I didn't get here alone. I got here with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the encouragement and support. It is immeasurable and profound to experience utter joy like this. Thank you for such a gift.
Sincerely,
Cindy
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