He was tapping trees to make maple syrup, sharing videos on LinkedIn of the process, with a sense of humor. Who is this guy? I wondered, so I checked his profile: Craig Matthews, author/speaker/mentor, Port Huron, MI.
Author? I had to check that out and was promptly reeled in by the title of one of his books, Immigrant Patriot. Yes, I was hooked, not only by the title, but also the story and by the man behind the story. That was two years ago.
Craig is such a gifted storyteller, writing about fascinating settings and characters with messy lives that eventually intersect with God’s redeeming grace. I’ve enjoyed all four of his compelling books, all standalones at this point, and I’ve been a beta reader for a couple of them. In the process we became online friends.
Craig’s next book was about to come out last November when his wife, Connie (age 60), died suddenly. It’s been four months of grieving and processing, much of it by reading (Jerry Sittser for one) and writing (he’s shared poignant free verses with us on Facebook). Last week was his first outing for something other than to visit family–a trip to the National World War I Museum in Kansas City to research for a sequel to Immigrant Patriot. (He and his brothers researched there for the first book.) Immigrant Patriot is so compelling and eye-opening. I look forward to the sequel.
Well, you can get to KC from MI via I-80, which does a do-si-do right with I-35 right by the Urbandale Machine Shed Restaurant. Driving a grey Chevy pickup and wearing a new Detroit Tigers cap, Craig blessed my Favorite Guy and me with a visit here at home, where he made sure I had autographed copies of all four of his books. He also brought a printout of the text of the next one, just like he’d given his mom.
We continued conversation with supper at our favorite Machine Shed. All three of us were encouraged by the too-short visit, but we’ll hold fond memories of a meeting that was only possible because of the synchronicity of social media and two interstates.
What a great meeting for you. I’ve heard Craig’s name, but as yet, have not read his books. I’ll look forward to that.
Thanks, GP. I think you’d enjoy them!
You are such a wonderful connector of people, Joy! 🥰
You’d recognize that, dear Connector Extraordinaire!
Aww…I learn from you. Xo! 🥰
Glad you got to meet him! Maybe one day we’ll have the same privilege.
It sure was a terrific surprise. You skirted around us to get to the Black Hills! And rode horses!
Totally cool!
You bet!
This is the good side of social media. We meet interesting people in person who we otherwise wouldn’t have known.
You bet, Pete!
I love meeting my blog and on-line writing buddies. This worked out well for both of you.
Darlene, it was a heart-warming surprise!
Thanks for the recap of your visit with Craig. Sounds like a fun time.
John, it went too quickly, but was such a blessing.
I read “Immigrant Patriot” and enjoyed it. Great you had a chance to meet up with Craig. Still hoping to visit you in Iowa one day.
That would be great, Bob. Craig’s other books are richer with Christian themes. I especially enjoyed Cameron Lost, set among hikers who seek to escape their bad choices and messy pasts. His Charity’s Fire reminded me of C.S. Lewis’s Screw Tape Letters.
cool beans!
You bet, Annette!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful day with us!
It went too fast!
It’s great you got to meet Craig, Joy, a blessing that your scar is healing well.
Thanks, Tim. It’s still tender but I’m amazed at such fast healing.
😍🙏
You sure are an expert bringing to light captivating books, Joy. Thank you! My condolences to Craig.
Thank you, Nancy.