One Day, Two Big Events

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By Sherry reporting in from Bouchercon

Tomorrow, September 7, 2018, is a big day in my life. First and foremost it’s my twenty-eighth anniversary. I met my husband when I’d sworn off men forever, didn’t expect to fall in love, and definitely didn’t have wedding plans. But he changed all that when he asked me to dance one night. (I said no, but the man is stubborn.) Bob is my biggest cheerleader, supporter, and will tell anyone (watch out if you are ever in an elevator with him) about my books. I’m so lucky to have him in my life.

The second big event is becoming president of Sisters in Crime. I’m overcome with emotion just thinking about it. Julie Hennrikus was the first person to tell me about Sisters in Crime. At the time we were both dewy-eyed (okay, slight exaggeration) women with dreams of being published. I followed Julie’s advice and here we are both published with multiple books out.

Sisters in Crime is a big organization but for me it’s all about the personal relationships. I’m a member of two chapters – the New England Chapter, which is the first one I joined, and the Chesapeake Chapter which I joined when we moved to Northern Virginia. I became president of the Chesapeake Chapter and it was a fantastic experience. So I volunteered for a position with National, never dreaming that I’d be asked to serve the three year term of vice president, president, and immediate past president.

Kendel Lynn broached the subject and told me to think about it. But I knew in that moment that I would say yes. I saw a line zing from Sarah Paretsky through all the smart, talented women who have led this organization to me. How could I do anything else?

The first thing I did after talking with Kendel was to call Bob. I knew it would take time away from our family and I’m already busy with writing and promoting. He said, “Go for it. You’ll be great.” To tell you the truth I was scared – what if I wasn’t good enough? What did I have to offer the organization?

I’ve spent the last year learning, learning, learning. Kendel and Diane Vallere have patiently answered all of my questions. Both are amazing examples of what a good leader should be. The women who serve on the board are an inspiration, smart, and talented. Beth Wasson, SinC’s executive director, has also answered the gazillion questions I’ve asked. Beth is our keeper of knowledge and history dispensing bits of wisdom while doing a hundred different tasks.  Then there’s Sarah Glass who does so much for so many of us all behind the scenes. And Molly who works tirelessly to bring us the inSinC quarterly. I’ve also talked to past presidents who have been so generous with their information and guidance.

So, as I said at the beginning, tomorrow is a big day for two very different and wonderful reasons.

Readers: Have you ever had two very different events happen on the same day? I’m going to be in a Sisters in Crime board meeting as you read this, but will check in as I can.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published by Sherry Harris

Sherry Harris is the author of the Agatha Award nominated Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series and the Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Mystery series.

63 Thoughts

  2. I gave birth to my daughter the same day as my father’s funeral. It was a mixture of the happiest and saddest day I could imagine.

    1. I gave birth to my daughter after going into labor during my father-in-law’s funeral. We had driven a couple of hours to get to his family. It was a while before I got back home! That was over 48 years ago. Still have the neatest “baby” anyone could have.

  3. I’m so happy for you – that you found the jewel that is Bob, and for your presidency! You will rock it, dear Sherry, and I know you’ll bring the same joy, grace, and smarts to the job that you bring to life.

  4. Sherry, happy anniversary to you and Bob! What a wonderful milestone in life-truly an inspiration! Warmest congratulations on the presidency -you are amazing in your leadership and organization!

  5. Felicitations on your big events! Mine are not HUGE events, but the constant need to remind people that I can only be in one place at a time and the need to discern priority among two (or sometimes as many as FIVE).

  6. I cannot remember any date that had two such important things scheduled on it. If anyone can juggle so much, with grace, it is you, Sherry! Congratulations on both your reasons to celebrate!

  10. Oh my word, I am so happy for you! What an amazing adventure this will be for you! Happy Anniversary, also!
    My 4th daughter, Becca, was born on Halloween. Her first child, Nickolyie, was born on her birthday, within 3 minutes of the time of her birth! That was a day!

  17. Congratulations you will do a great job and Happy Anniversary. It’s the best when we find the person who builds us up and we are a team. When more congrats on that to you and Bob. I enjoy your books thanks for sharing.

  19. Congrats, Sherry! Bob is right — you’ll be great! And happy anniversary! My brother got his PhD and his wife gave birth on the same day! We went from the graduation straight to the hospital. 🙂

  20. Congratulations on both of these wonderful events. You will serve with distinction & honor!

  21. I can’t think of any specifics off hand, but I know I have had many amazing days and weeks where the good things just keep piling up. Congrats on your 28 years of bliss and on your new VIP position! Well deserved.

  22. Yep, I’ve had two very important events on the same day. Fortunately,both weddings were at enough time between that I could easily attend both and attend both receptions!

  29. Hi Sherry, I am just seeing this post, so my congratulations may not reach you this way, but I am SO happy for you (and for Sisters and Crime and Bob)! I am thrilled to see this news! Congratulations!

  30. I’m so happy for you, Sherry, but mostly thrilled for this Sisters In Crime organization of which I’m a member. We value all of you so much. Thank you for taking the reins. We know you’ll do great.

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