One of my father’s friends at work was named Joe Schwartz. This was years back when I was 8 or 9. I always liked the sound of his name, and over the years, whenever I tell a story and need a hypothetical name to throw in to personalize it as an example, I’ve used Joe Schwartz. Melanie, Kira and Theo shake their heads when, in yet another context, there’s new mention of Joe Schwartz.
On Friday, August 30th, my book shipped from the printer in Illinois to our fulfillment center and to Amazon. That evening Melanie Paykos and I were in Bozeman, Montana, having dinner with friends. Pam Koehler, who was our printer liaison for the book, wanted to make an announcement, and corralled everyone’s attention. I thought she had a new client to tell all of us about. It turns out she had a wrapped gift... for me. Versa Press had overnighted her 5 book copies and she presented me with one. It was a special moment for me and for Melanie. One that I will always remember.
And then this happened.
The book and our conversation caught the attention - and interest - of diners at the adjacent table. They asked about it. They wanted to read it. One of them came over, put money on our table to buy The Great Healing. Pam signaled to me that she had other copies at home so the evening turned into a book signing. Pen in hand, I asked the man for his name. Melanie lost it when he answered. I’m trying hard to maintain in this photo. His name was Joe Schwartz.
