By Grace Topping
As a child, I enjoyed the stories my mother told my sisters and me at bedtime about her childhood. Sometimes her stories were happy and sometimes sad, but we were fascinated by them. Little did I realize that one of her experiences would profoundly affect me and cause me to do things throughout my life that I didn’t always want to do.
During the Depression, my mother lived at a girls’ boarding school. One of her teachers, Miss Jones, had been a missionary in China and regaled the class with stories of her experiences there. Later, she invited the students to her home to view the items she had collected during her travels. When the day arrived, the warm and sunny weather tempted my mother to skip the event to enjoy the day outdoors. But thinking better of it, she went to Miss Jones’s house.
When she arrived, she discovered Miss Jones had lovingly displayed the items that meant so much to her. She had also set the table with a beautifully decorated cake and other refreshments. My mother was so glad she went—because no one else showed up. My sisters and I gasped. What if our mother hadn’t gone? No one would have been there. How disappointing that would have been for Miss Jones, who had gone to so much trouble.
After that, whenever I was invited somewhere and tempted not to go, the thought always haunted me: what if no one shows up? So I went out on bright sunny days and trudged out on cold winter nights to a variety of events when many times I wanted to be elsewhere. And, yes, there were times when lots of people were at the event, but also times when my presence helped.
As the years went by, I found this commitment spilling into other areas of my life, especially when I decided to write a mystery. What if I hadn’t joined professional writing groups and showed up at their meetings? What if I hadn’t attended the book signing of debut authors when they sat there looking lonely?
Recently, I saw an announcement that an author I know was to speak at a local book festival. I knew she was coming from out of town for the event. What if nobody showed up? Other than the author’s family members who were there, I was one of five other people in the audience. Sometimes it’s good to show up.
How about you? Have there been times you were glad you showed up?
Grace Topping is a USA Today bestselling author and Agatha Award Finalist. A recovering technical writer and IT project manager, she was accustomed to writing lean, boring documents. Let loose to write fiction, she is now creating murder mysteries and killing off characters who remind her of some of the people she dealt with during her career. Fictional revenge is sweet. She is the author of the Laura Bishop Mystery series. Grace is the former vice president of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime (SINC), a steering committee member of the SINC Guppies, and a member of Mystery Writers of America. She lives with her husband in Northern Virginia.
What a thoughtful post… and all so true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on It’s Not Always a Mystery today.
Thank you, Alicia. Sometimes our appearance at an event isn’t a big thing to us but could mean so much to someone else.
Thank you, Debra, for hosting me today. You are a prime example of someone who has always reached out a helping hand.
As an individual who does not always “show up” at numerous functions, as I tend to have low social desire and often withdraw from many activities, I thoroughly enjoyed the importance of Grace’s piece. Being the youngest of the sisters mentioned, I continually acquire knowledge and education from this remarkable individual. ❤️
Lynn,
Thank you for stopping by and adding the portion of tribute from the youngest of sisters. I’m not a family member, but I feel the same way about Grace – remarkable, kind, and giving.
Thank you, Lynn, for being the wonderful younger sister you are.
Good morning, yes this is so very true. One person that cares makes a big difference. Just like a smile can make a persons day. Just be showing up and being there for the person especially on a very important day will make somebody’s day much, much better. Have a great day and a great week. Your are so very thoughtful. God Bless you.
A smile to you…. have a happy Thanksgiving!
That’s so kind of you–what a great attitude. We need to all think about this. Thanks for the post.
Kaye,
You are one who does this, too. It’s a little thing, but so important…. Grace’s post is perfect for now or anytime.
Thank you, Kaye. I have benefited so much from your willingness to help aspiring authors.
This sounds exactly like you, Grace. Thanks for all you do. You’re always kind.
That she is…..
Thank you, Susan. I benefitted from my mother’s stories and guidance.
What a wonderful and inspiring post!
I fully agree. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with Grace.
Thank you, Joan. My mother was a wonderful role model.
I love this post. Grace, I think, being the lovely person you are, you would show up even if your mother hadn’t shared her very meaningful experience. I feel as you do. I will show up because I know how I feel when people show up for me (it’s a wonderful, heartwarming feeling!). Thank you for sharing and thank you, Debra, for hosting!
You are sweet, Lida. Thank you.
My pleasure to host a classy person like Grace. She walks the talk.
Charming.
Simple post, but all so true. Thanks for following the blog.
Thank you, Candace. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
What wonderful words to live by! Thank you for sharing them!
Something I know you try to do and that Grace, since I’ve known her, does too.
Grace – I’m late to respond but want to let you know how much your blog gave me a kick in the pants. I also believe in showing up but COVID dented my commitment. I need to get back on track and your story reminded me why. Thanks so much for posting.
Covid still is making some commitments difficult. It is scary, but at least it appears things are easing…..Thanks for stopping by to tell Grace how important her words were to you (and as you can see to many more of us).