The Renfrow Story

While I was enjoying time with family on Thanksgiving day a UPS delivery alert popped up on my phone to tell me the first copies of the book would be delivered on Friday. I let out a little gasp of joy, mingled with just a hint of disappointment that I wouldn’t be home when they arrived. I sent a text to Tobias, who was taking care of our cat, to let him know to watch for them and give them some TLC. He is a student who works on digital archiving projects with me at the library, so he is well aware of how exciting this moment is. I had him send me a picture once they got there, like an anxious mother wanting to know her baby was safely out of the cold.

Once we got home Saturday evening, I took a deep breath and a utility knife and opened the first box. Inside the box it was wrapped in paper, and inside the paper it was wrapped in bubble wrap. It was nice to see that Print Ninja also gave them lots of TLC.

When I at last lifted the first book out of the box and held it in my hands I was overcome with emotion. This labor of love that had dominated my life for the last year was now a physical item in the world. I flipped through the pages, overjoyed with the beauty and clarity of each of Erica’s illustrations. I inhaled the new book smell. I couldn’t resist running my hands over each page, delighting in the touch of the soft matte finish.

My husband, Craig, realized that the date was November 25, and that it was eight months ago, on March 25, that I first read the story to Edith and Alice. More than anyone, he knows the long hours on the computer and the sleepless nights this has involved. We sat and reveled in or shared delight in the beautiful outcome.

I can hardly wait to take these early copies to her and Alice next weekend and I pray they feel the same way.

When I looked at these pictures this morning I realized a couple of things. First, isn’t it perfect that I had on my favorite Grinnell College sweatshirt! And when you look beyond my flushed with emotion face to the hodgepodge of items on the refrigerator, there is a “Save the Date” card for the Renfrow Hall dedication just over my left shoulder.

I know many of you are anxious to get your copies. At his moment they are on a ship somewhere making their way to the US. Cargo freight moves a lot slower than airmail, and costs a lot less for that reason. I’m hoping the fact that these books arrived early is a good sign. Rest assured as soon as they arrive I will do my best to get them to you as soon as possible.

Because I can’t wait for you to hold this beauty of a book as well!