Home > Stories > Our True Stories > A Writer's Miracle

Print Version

“Stan Hatch calling; Stan Hatch calling,” repeated my cell phone as I searched for it in my purse on the adjacent seat.  This was hard to do while attempting to drive, at a reasonable speed, and stay within the lines on highway 101. 

Once found, I barked, “Hello, hello, Stan, are you there?” 

I missed the call knowing it must be important, in that my husband phoned so quickly after I left him.  Anxious, I hit redial and asked if everything was O.K.

“Did you leave your conference folder on the top of the car, Betty?”
“Uh, yes, I think I did!”
“Well, a man named Darrell Wade just called saying he has it.   Call me from the restaurant and I’ll give you his number.”

Another miracle, I thought!  The Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference 2006 had ended at 10 a.m.  I had gone home from the Double Tree to check the calls, my e-mail and to get ready for my lunch with my writer friend, Cissy.

“Stan, where is this man?”  I asked, calling this time from an umbrella covered table at the Paradise Café.  I phoned him immediately. 

 “Darrell here,” answered a strong male voice.

“This is Betty Hatch, Mr. Wade.  You found my folder?  Where are you?”  “I’ll be right there,” I bubbled.

Repeating the address as I copied it in my book, Cissy’s jaw dropped. “That’s only four houses down from mine!”

We rolled our eyes in disbelief.  Cissy gave me easy directions, assuring me that I would have no trouble going there, getting my folder, and arriving at my next appointment.

 Mr. Wade and I shook hands and he handed me a folder that looked as if it had been shot with Chaney’s shot gun on both sides.  He explained, “My day was off to a crappy start.  Coming into the round-about at Milpas, I noticed the folder and figured it might be important to somebody.  I parked my car and…”

“You parked to get my folder out of the street?”  I interrupted in disbelief.  You saved my whole week’s work!  Thank you so much.  May I pay you?” I questioned, realizing that he had risked his life to save my folder.

“Oh no,” he stated firmly, handing me his Sotheby’s card.  “If I can ever help you with real-estate, give me a call.  I think one of my associates was at that conference--Sally Stallings?” 

“There were over 400 of us.  I really don’t know,” I answered, concerned about my next appointment.

We said goodbye and as I drove off, the name Sally Stallings replayed in my head.  Oh dear, I thought, she was a model of mine back in the 80’s.  I grabbed my cell again, hit redial, and Mr. Wade answered.

“It’s me, Betty Hatch, again.  I think I know Sally.  Is she a blond?”

“Yes, she is.”
“Was she a model?”
“I don’t know that,” he responded.
“Well, if so, please say hello for me.”

At my appointment, without even saying hello, I rattled my most recent miracle to my friend.  Veronica was as incredulous as I, listening like a child waiting for the next page of a Harry Potter book.

I called Stan to tell my tale about Darrell.  He listened intently to my happy chatter.  When I stopped, his voice seemed to brake telling me sadly, “Betty, you won’t believe this, but I lost my folder today too!”

☺ A Writers’ Miracle taught me these lessons.  • Filing things on the roof of my car is not smart!  • Taking note of the amazing signs that point toward the miracles now happening regularly in my life is valuable.  • Writing and sharing my miracles works.  Once we notice miracles, we experience more of them and the blessings they bring.  

PS  Yes, Stan also found his conference folder!  And this Sally Stallings was not my former model, but the woman who sold me the house I have lived in since 1975!        

Home > Stories > Our True Stories > A Writer's Miracle