Typewriter Magic: How Grandma’s Special Gift Inspired a Lifetime of Dreams

Let me tell you a story… I’ve written to you before about my love for the beautiful national magazine, American Essence. I can’t remember how I ran across this gem, but I have been hooked from the first issue I read.

In their own words, American Essence is “a magazine that focuses on traditional American values and great American stories. It tells the stories of real Americans who take individual initiative to make their lives and the lives of others better.”  For me, American Essence is like a breath of fresh air when it arrives in my mailbox. I’ll work hard to wrap up anything on my to-do list so I can treat myself to it!

Several months ago, I finished the last article of an issue, closed the magazine, and contacted the editor on a whim. It was late at night. My sweet husband had already fallen asleep beside me, body weary from a long day on the farm. My initial intentions were to simply express my gratitude for the magazine and how much I love it, because I feel strongly that appreciation for good work should be voiced as well as felt. However, before I closed, I ended up attaching a piece for her on my Grandma Rushing, and expressing my hopes that she would find it enjoyable. I saw it that night as a thank you to American Essence.

 

Fast forward. The editor did enjoy my little piece, and they chose to print it. “Typewriter Magic: How Grandma’s Special Gift Inspired a Lifetime of Dreams” appeared in American Essence’s May 2023 issue. I had the privilege of opening it beside Grandma’s son, my darling Papa, and reading it together during a family meal. Papa and I weren’t the only ones with leaky eyes by the time I finished reading, but we definitely shared a sweet cry. The whole thing has been so dear to me, I’ve kind of been holding it close to my heart, but I had the article framed for Papa, and with Father’s Day approaching, it finally felt like a good time to share. You can find read it here. I hope you enjoy. Oh, and if you would be so kind as to leave them a comment if you do, that’d be fantastic. Tell ’em Shellie sent you. 

Hugs,
Shellie