Is This Really Happening??

I hope everyone had a great week.  I sure did!  You know when you have one of those life experiences that are so surreal – you can’t be sure if it’s REALLY happening or not?  Well…..that’s exactly what happened to me yesterday!

Shortly after I announced that my book had been published and was available for purchase, my dear friend James Carver called me to say that he would love to host a book signing event for me at his business – Cole’s Pharmacy.  A local independently owned drug store.  I was so excited by his offer – and we go together after Christmas to settle on a date and time.  We settled on Thursday, January 10th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.  When I walked in the pharmacy yesterday, I was expecting them to probably have a small table set up somewhere for me to set up my books, etc.  Imagine my surprise when I walked up to the door and saw flyers posted announcing the book signing event……and then I saw this elaborately decorated table – complete with flowers, candles, balloons, banners and lights!  I’ve gotta say – they really gave me the royal treatment for sure!  They provided snacks and drinks for everyone – it was just a top-notch event.  I had no idea they were going to go “all out” for me.  I admit – I felt like a bit of a celebrity!

Our local newspaper had a reporter there to cover the event – and I joked with the reporter that I felt like the paparazzi was close by when I heard her camera click-clicking away!  Between the newspaper and our local radio station, I was fortunate to have received a good bit of press about the event.

Never having held a book signing event – I had no idea what to expect.  Amazingly, folks started coming by a little before 11:00 am and we had a very steady stream of folks come by over the next two hours.  I saw lots of old friends and acquaintances, and met some new ones too!  It was great talking with everyone and sharing stories with folks.  I am, indeed, a people person – and truly enjoyed mingling with everyone!  It was definitely a good day!

I also need to say a big thank you to my friend Cindy Fox.  She was kind enough to be my personal assistant yesterday and helped me with book sales.  She did an awesome job as always and I appreciate her taking time of her busy retirement to help me out!

I handled the day pretty good – until my friend and fellow survivor Renee Gentry came in.  Renee was a few months ahead of me in her cancer fight – and she was a huge inspiration for me and answered a boat load of questions.  Just hugging her and thinking what we had both been through – and seeing how very far we had come, well, it got me a little teary eyed there for a minute.  We both have so much to be thankful for – that’s for sure.

Roxboro is a small town…..and we take a lot of flack from folks about being a little ole’ redneck town.  Well, let me just tell you that I am very proud and honored to be from this little ole’ town.  I like living in a place where neighbors look after neighbors – and the community rallies behind you, and most everybody knows your name……or at the very least, they know “who your people are”!  This small town made me feel awfully special yesterday – and it’s something I won’t ever forget!

So those of your from this area – the next time you find yourself uptown, stop in at Cole’s Pharmacy for a yummy lunch or a delicious orangeade.  If you want an awesome grilled cheese, Bricen or Zach can hook you up.  Tell ’em Sonja sent ya!  I promise you won’t regret it!

Thanks again to James, Bridgit, Wanda, Cindy, Zach, Robbie, Gloria, GoGo and Betty for putting on such a wonderful event for me.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  I’m awfully thankful for my Framily! 🙂

Have a great weekend!

Hugs!

Sonja

Author: temporarylumps

A Christian wife, mom, daughter and friend View all posts by temporarylumps