And then…
Since everyone has been asking me if I’ve told my husband yet, I thought I’d answer publicly.
When I wrote the story, I wasn’t too worried because come on – what was my chance of having it accepted by The New York Times? Then Dan Jones called.
It was time to fess up. I wasn’t sure how he’d react to learning he’d come after a nut-to-butt line of pilots, or even worse, that I’d covered it up for so long. I told him about the phone call from the Times. He lifted me up and spun me around. We spent a few minutes jumping up and down in the kitchen, and then I asked him to read it. I hoped for the go ahead, but feared he might see me as conniving or be ashamed if his family or his buddies in the squadron were to see it.
It took him FOREVER to finish reading it, but when he did, he looked up from the computer and said, “This is fucking good.”
I love him.
I asked him if he was upset or concerned what people would think, and (prepare to gag if you can’t stand sappy) he said “I don’t care how you found me. I just thank God you did.”
January 10th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Hey Tiffany, sounds like you got a keeper. Every now and then Mark says something that, even after nine years, makes me want to take out a full page ad in the NYT to say how much I adore him. I like your way better. They pay you! Congratulations. On all of it.
January 10th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Good Morning Tiffany from Dublin, Ireland
What a great story, enjoyed reading it very much. I wish you and your lovely man every happiness in your married life. My, how you persevered?? All those boring dates. Still it paid off. I’m an ‘unclaimed treasure’, but haven’t the courage for online dating, yet!! Lived in Manhattan for 4 years in the 90’s and always enjoyed my NYT, so read it online now.
January 10th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Tiffany, you are an amazing writer. You write with such style and seemingly effortless effort that it keeps the reader entranced from start to finish - and then aching for more. You’ve come a long way from Mr. Reed’s class! Congrats on this amazing accomplishment - although I know that it is only one milestone on a long, successful path to come. When does your book come out??
January 10th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
As a furloughed flight attendant, married to a retired Navy - commercial pilot, your article touched on some very familiar territory. Modern Love is always one of my favorites in the Sunday Times and your story is now in good company. Out of curiosity, have you ever listened to Nancy Griffith’s song “Pilot”? Anyway, good luck to you both and thanks for the ride!
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
I loved your article in the NYT! I have this strange love for airports; even though I’ve only flown a couple of times, whenever I get the chance I go just to stand inside. And it has been a secret thought of mine that I might like to be a flight attendant. But nevertheless I am still at college working on a broadcast journalism major. Your writing is so smooth and easy. I so looking forward to reading your book :)