Validation and Vindication

The call couldn’t have come at a better time.

Moments earlier, I began seriously doubting just about everything that was about to transpire on my shotgun trip to New Orleans to see Wrestlemania XXX.

Was I spending too much on tickets?

Did I make the right decision on where to stay?

Would my assistant be adept enough to handle a few days alone in the office?

As I described these worries to my mother over the phone as I drove toward Houston, a second call buzzed through. I checked the Caller ID and saw ‘San Marcos Daily Record.’ Knowing my assistant was at the office by himself and might need a few pointers, I told my mother I’d call her right back.

“Hello?”

“Tyler. This is Anita.”

Well, it wasn’t Joe. What could this be about?

“How’s it going?”

“I just wanted to tell you, ‘Congratulations.'”

My heart shot into my throat once I heard those words.

A huge smile spread across my face.

By the time she finished talking, I had tears in my eyes.

I won two awards from the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors for my writing in 2013. One was a first-place honor in Breaking Sports News. Another was a second-place finish in Sports Features. After a little digging I found out I was one of just four sports writers in the Lone Star State to win multiple awards.

I knew I wrote well last year. I felt good about my chances to bring home some hardware, but I didn’t feel THIS good. I still don’t know if I can believe this.

For the rest of the drive, I forgot about every worry. I just lived on Cloud Nine.

I called everybody I cared about to let them know the news.

I told my mentors how much their work with me over the years meant.

Life was good — but it only got better that weekend. I’ll save that story for later.