Dear Veronica

Some of you fine, five readers will remember my meaningful on-line exchange with Veronica, the mother of Joshua Redmyer, a fine young man whom I met one day while completing a photo shoot with Kyle Dooley for Finding Jimmy Moran at Mike O’Shay’s in Longmont. That meeting with Josh was just one of the many ways I have been blessed through the publication of The Claire Saga. It was a meeting that continues to impact me to this very day.

You see, many of my interactions with potential or existing readers are brief. Usually, just a few minutes of conversation. A photo or two. If I’m lucky a hug. But I always enjoy them. They cling to me afterwards like someone’s perfume or aftershave. I always appreciate experiencing how Claire the Mule has impacted someone. After all, she has changed my life forever.

On that fateful day, Josh hadn’t yet read any of the then existing Claire books. Indeed, I’m not sure he even knew of their existence. However, there was a lot of positive energy at MOS that day. There was palpable excitement among the friendly staff and crew of regulars, like Kyle Dooley. Another one-time stranger who reached out to me on the phone one day after his insightful reading of my books, who then went on to become a good friend and character in Finding Jimmy Moran, who then became the face of a marketing photo for FJM published by Books and Bevies, run by a wonderful young writer named Kerry F Freeman (check out her fantastic debut novel – Sedona, on Amazon).

On that particular day at MOS, the inquisitive Josh approached us all to find out what the excitement was all about.

Josh was instantly likeable. And he was openly eager to learn all he could about the backstory to The Claire Saga. Kyle, another incredible character and now dear friend, was just as eager to share his own story with Josh about how he was drawn into Claire’s universe. And, just like that, another connection was made.

By the end of the shoot, I was happy to share a photo and my then last copy of FJM with this wonderful young man.

When I first arrived in NoCo, I was the proverbial Stranger in a Strange Land. I had left six decades of everything I knew back in Riverdale, except Lisa and my fur family members. I didn’t know a soul.

However, whatever buyer’s remorse I felt by that impulsive move instantly dissipated when I met Claire the Mule. It was like I was destined to meet her.

She was the trigger that brought my long dormant creative genes back on line.

And the books have opened the doors to many new people.

Since the publication of The Wise Ass, it seems like my Universe keeps expanding to introduce all of the wonderful people from my past to new wonderful people that are now brought into my life by the books. The eternal narrator in me cannot be more thrilled by each and every new connection.

Indeed, it feels like I threw a party and then made an Irish exit just so I can step back and watch through a window as the arriving partygoers meet for the first time and become instant friends. You see, like Edward Bloom in Big Fish, I have been blessed by a lifetime of meeting wonderful and very unique people.

I use these blogs to try and let them/you know how wonderful they/you are, and how much they/you all mean to me.

You see, without you all, I don’t exist.

Joshua Redmyer is now a forever and meaningful member of my expanding Universe. Through his intercession, I have now met – on line – his wonderful mother, Veronica Redmyer. She has now joined the eternal orbit of Claire the Mule.

Yesterday, I received a completely unexpected email from Veronica. To be honest, it brought me to tears. I wasn’t going to post it, because it was so personal, but then Veronica closed it with the following:

“PS – I have a very small footprint on the internet if I am googled. Now that you are including me in what you are writing about in your blogs, you are a part of my print next to Josh. Since you screen your blogs and this is a long email, I will continue to leave it up to you if you want to add it with your amazing color and flair in writing. I am loving this connection with you (and Josh).“

So, instead of just summarizing it, I would like to share it as Veronica so eloquently wrote it. I’m too old to leave things unsaid and I want you all to know that each contact I have made through The Claire Saga has changed my life for the better. Josh and Veronica Redmyer are the quintessential examples of how the most random connections can often be the most meaningful, and one never knows how even momentary contacts will impact the world.

Let me expand Veronica and Joshua’s internet footprint. You see, this is Veronica’s story, about a son she loved more than anyone, and she deserves for the world to hear it, in her words.

Tom, 

After I sent you the email with my information, I began a long seven days at work. I am an Assistant Store Manager at Kroger. Since it was the week for Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day, I was extremely busy (especially since Kroger is number one in the Nation for our floral department). I was exhausted when I left work to go home Wednesday night and I was looking forward to having two days off to recover. I just wanted to get home, put my pajamas on, eat, watch TV and turn myself off for the night. As I approached my door, I saw a box in front of it. This caught me off guard because Josh and I set up informed delivery service when he got this place, and I was not notified to expect a package. So, I figured it was one of my neighbor’s packages that just got dropped at the wrong apartment. I was surprised when I saw it was addressed to me and had your name and return address. 

I brought the package in and proceeded to get comfortable for the night with many thoughts running through my head…” Wow, he really did send it to me…. I can’t believe how fast he responded…etc.”. I didn’t realize this was only the beginning. As I opened the box and set the contents of it on the dining room table, I received more than I could ever have imagined or hoped from you. Not only were there four books, as promised, but also an envelope. I had to step back for a minute since the envelope intrigued me. 

I must say that when I opened the envelope first, I could not stop crying. Finding much more than a “photo inside” as you wrote on the envelope! The time you took to make prints of several things and autograph was very moving. It took me quite some time to compose myself to look at the books. 

When I finally was ready and clear-eyed enough, I was prepared, or so I thought, to open each book to see it inscribed with a short comment and your signature. Well, once again, I underestimated the sincerity you had in honoring my request. The long, heartfelt notes in each book mean more to me than you can ever imagine. I still do not have the words to thank you enough for how this is affecting me in a positive way to feel that I still have Josh near me. 

Now, after two days of being in awe over this, I decided to share the link to your blog with some family and friends. The reaction was the same from all of them understanding the emotions that I have. Many said they had tears, some said they would read your books and others just shared heartfelt notes and emojis. One specifically said that she was glad that I found a meaningful connection.  

On my way home from work today, reflecting on how I would spend my time since I got off early and have tomorrow off, I was going to write my note to thank you. I kept your address and found a blank card and envelope that just said “joy” on the cover. I was going to hand write the thank you note and mail it. However, something told me to go to your blog.  

I reread, probably an unknown number of times, the same post and beautiful replies. I then went exploring the web site and did a search for Redmyer. To my surprise, I found that you had a follow up blog on the 8^th about your adventure getting me this package! Once again, the tears started flowing uncontrollably. So, a simple, short, handwritten note was no longer acceptable in my mind after your Seinfeld Day (Josh loved that show!). 

To quote your post on your blog: 

“So, Josh must have been watching over my comings and goings yesterday to make sure that I timely kept my promise to his mom, Veronica Redmyer. Thank you Josh. Do me a favor and give Jeter and Mr. Rogers a treat and a cuddle for me. 

Veronica, if you are reading this blog, Josh is always going to be looking out for you. Enjoy the package. Let me know when you finish the four books and, if you like them, I’ll send you an inscribed copy of Where The Ley Lines Meet to complete your set. 

Of course, should I win that lotto drawing, the drinks when I appear at MOS will be on me. Forever.” 

Yes, I believe Joshua was with you that day. He has a way of helping people and being there for them. He does it for many now in his new place. I have many stories I hear about to prove that true. Most of all, I have the best ones to let me know that he is looking out for me and that I will be ok. Your delivery just proved it again. Maybe one day I will meet you at MOS and have a drink with you and the others (if Lisa lets you know that you won)! I would love to share the story about the clock with all of you and how I am confident that Josh is still with me. 

This morning before going to work, I began the first book and I look forward to my long journey with your writing. I read slowly and absorb every word. Be patient with me as I will keep you posted. I would love to finish this journey and have the complete set.  

You truly are an inspiration and I am only scratching the surface so far on why my son talked about you as he did. 

Veronica 

It is moments like this when I realize that Claire’s reach goes so much further than any words or stories I have or can put down on paper. I tried to channel some of that feeling – in my impression of Slip Mahoney doing Kurt Vonnegut – into Where The Ley Lines Meet.

So, thank you Veronica, for raising such a fine young man as your son, Josh. It was my honor to meet him.

If he hadn’t reached out to me that random day in MOS, with all of his positive energy, I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of our introduction.

And yes, you and Josh are now imprinted forever in Claire’s Universe, with all of the other people who for the past 6 decades have made my life so fulfilled.

Thank you for your kind words.

Let me know when you are ready for Where The Ley Lines Meet.

Claire sends her love.

Well, for the rest of you fine, five readers, today is another early hump day.

I have kitties to cuddle and rounds to make.

But as we all go out into our small respective microcosms of the Universe, let us keep in mind that how we treat each other matters.

So, let us all go out there and make today a great one.

And Josh, if you have a chance to work some magic on the Hollywood types here on earth, send them my way, I can always use the help.