“Thank you.”
“When you finish your breakfast,” she glances at the clock. It’s 7:52. “Come into my office. We need to discuss your new assignment.
At 8:01, I tap lightly on Sidney’s office door, then push it open. She's on the phone, looking over some papers on her desk. She waves me in to take a seat.
“Yes, that’s fine. Whatever you think is best. Listen, Jorja just walked in. I need to go.” She winks at me. “We will be up to see you this weekend. Love you too, daddy.”
She hangs up, shakes her head, and says, “I love him, but ….”
“I admire your ability to balance family and business.”
“Thanks. It’s not easy.” She opens her laptop and gets right down to business. “I want you to begin working on the article for the contest immediately while your emotions are still fresh and raw. Your story last night of how you felt having witnessed the rescue was very moving. Rather than an analytical article, I want you to write a testimonial type piece based on your feelings.” She types while she talks. “I want to come at this on a different level. I want to put the emphasis on the ‘everyday’ part of the phrase. Everyday meaning the men and women we know and love personally, not acquaintances in our communities. Not the collective group. Not the rescue team, but the husband/partner who is a part of the team.”
“I want the reader to identify with someone they love that goes above and beyond. Let’s pull on their heartstrings.”
“Your story last night took a man who is larger than life. The epitome of the word hero and made us see him not as a Navy SEAL, but as the man you love. When I looked at my husband, I saw him with the same love and appreciation for who he is and what he does. That’s what I want our readers to feel when they finish your article. I want them to feel the pride and love for their personal hero who’s just an everyday dude, but who goes above and beyond for those he loves.”
She smiles again. “Can you do that?”
I nod. “I can do that.”
“Good. I want the first draft on my desk in two weeks. Don’t worry about coming into the office. You can work remotely. Research your subject thoroughly.” She smiles, and I blush.
“Yes, ma’am.”
