So yesterday, at the Reading Conference, I think Mrs. Hicks must have thought I was crazy. I was on pins and needles all day, just hoping for that extra ticket to the luncheon with Mr. Peck. The day began as we attended the second general session , where we listened to another wonderful author, Jack Gantos. He was really funny, and I learned a lot about writing and the power and joy it held for him. After listening and laughing, we decided to wait in line to have our books signed my him. Now keep in mind that as much as I enjoyed listening to Mr. Gantos, and even as much as I cannot wait to read many of his books to my class, I was truly there to see Mr. Peck.
There we stood, crammed tightly between the book lovers in front of and the book lovers behind us. Just ahead we noticed a growing excitement, and peering around a group of teachers who should I see but the one and only Mr. Peck. Mrs. Hicks giggled as I breathed in deeply and became the kid in a candy store, overwhelmed by all the possibilities. It didn't take long for me to jump ship and abandon the long line I had been waiting in forever. I moved right on over behind the two or three people that jumped ship just a little faster than I, and there waited smiling happily to meet Mr. Peck.
What do you say to someone as talented as Mr. Peck? Simply, I love your books? Like he hasn't heard that a million times. How about, my class LOVES Grandma Dowdel? No, he's probably heard that a zillion times. In the end it didn't matter because the teacher in front of me, who I am sure is a sweet person haha, stole all my thunder! Ugghhhh! "Mr. Peck, I truly love your books," she says. "Grandma Dowdel is so wonderful," she says. "My class just loves you," she says. Well now, I couldn't go right behind her and say the exact same could I? I guess I could have gone up and pointed at her, like my kids do sometimes, and said, "Yeah...what she said!"
Anyone that knows me, knows that I just beamed and asked him if he would autograph a book for my class ,which he so graciously did. He was just as nice as I imagined him to be. Anyone that has a character as deep hearted as Grandma Dowdel inside them just has to be a good person. In the end, not only did I get his autograph, Mrs. Hicks and I were both able to attend his luncheon. I cannot wait to share it with my class!