What a fabulous ACFW conference! As always, I had great meetings with favorite writers, editors, and other publishing professionals. I enjoyed meetings with Steve, Karen, and Dan. I feel so blessed to work with such a wonderful team. Again this year, I enjoyed the privilege of teaching a workshop with Steve, an event I hope will continue to be a tradition for us at ACFW. Each conference reinforces my sense of gratitude that I work in CBA. It is such an honor to share my life’s career ambitions with others who love the Lord!
And to place the whipped cream and cherry on the sundae, what a delight to be present for the Genesis award for Susanne Dietze for One Word from You in the Historical Romance category. And Lynette Eason won a Carol award for When a Heart Stops, edited by Andrea Doering and published by Revell.
What a night! I am over the moon proud to be the agent of both of these talented writers!
After such excitement, I was ready to go home and relax, then get back into my office routine and the new adventure of living as an empty nester with my husband, John. He has worked as a civilian at the Department of Defense for 33 years and is now the Deputy Director of Contract Policy for the Naval Sea Systems Command.
I am writing this post on Monday night, the day of the Washington Navy Yard shootings, where John works. This morning, my flight leaving Indianapolis was on time. I was sitting on the plane and just about to turn off the phone when John called. Apparently a shooter had entered the building. John had exited the building with his employees shortly after the shooting began.
In the meantime, Reagan National Airport had shut down. We had to sit on the tarmac over an hour. Everyone on the plane stayed calm, and I sent thanks to the Lord that no poor infant was stuck there with us. I probably made more noise than anyone else because I had to notify a number of friends and relatives. I especially didn’t want my parents, in-laws, and daughters to be alarmed by learning of the news on television. I couldn’t help but feel thankful that we are gifted by many people who care about us.
The most alarming moment for me was during the flight. The captain said we were in a holding pattern because the airport shut down a second time. Had there been another rampage? Was John back in danger? But soon we were able to land, and all was well.
I’m saddened that some people can’t work out their problems without harming others. John and I are praying for our NAVSEA community, and we appreciate those who have told us they are praying for us.
Every workday evening, I hear the same sound: metal against metal as the key turns in the front door, followed by a whoosh of fresh air as the door opens. Today, that was the most beautiful sound in the world to me. For that everyday sound told me that John had safely arrived home.
