I rolled into the Chase Bank location. There were balloons and free merch on tables. A local radio station had teamed up with Chase to market a new credit card, and Delilah was gracing us with her presence. If you don’t know who Delilah is, let me explain. Each night, Delilah’s voice drifts through the air like a friend at the kitchen table — offering music, stories, and quiet encouragement. Her words carry both joy and sorrow, shaped by a life of deep love, loss, and faith. Somehow, she makes even strangers feel less alone.
Listening to her reminded me of the power of sharing our own stories. As an aspiring author and motivational speaker, I’m inspired to use my experiences — the joys, the challenges, and everything in between — to uplift others. Just as she does every night on the air.
This woman is quite literally one of my heroines. I’ve listened to her since I was ten years old. So, in the beginning of August, when the local radio station that plays Delilah mentioned a contest to meet her, I immediately entered. I highly doubted I would win, but it was worth a shot. Two weeks later, I received an email saying that I had won! I let out a squeal and canceled everything I had planned that day.
I also told the woman coordinating the event that I use a wheelchair. That can be a big PR advantage, and I often end up getting the royal treatment. I don’t mind. I get time to meet celebrities, and they get their pictures. I understand the ways of this world. Being the queen of networking — and wanting an agent for my book — I was determined to take all the time with her that I could get.
Delilah walked in with an air of grace and joy. Her producer, Kraig, was at her side. She greeted everyone with a warmth that rivaled the August heat. I was over the moon with excitement, texting my family: She’s in the building. They had lightly teased me all my life for liking her. I mean, I was eleven and asking for Delilah. Funny in retrospect.
Kraig, her producer, walked over first. He was in a suit with a huge smile.
“Hi, Hannah! How are you?” Kraig asked.
“Fantastic! How are you?” I responded.
“I’m very well. Delilah is so excited to meet you. The people at the bank said you’re a lifelong fan.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Well, she’ll be here shortly.”
Five minutes later, I heard her say my name. She walked over
and gave me a hug. It was like meeting a Disney princess — just in a suit.
“I’ve loved you since I was a kid, and now I’m a grown woman, and I love you just as much.”
“Thank you. Something tells me you don’t let anything stop you from going after your dreams.”
Great segue.
“So, I just wrote a manuscript and am looking for an agent. Do you have any advice?”
“I don’t, but Kraig would. I’ll have him talk to you again.”
After taking several pictures with me, she went on to greet other fans.
Kraig found me and said that the people at Chase had given them my information. I really love how these people at Chase don’t miss a beat — impressive!
I was sitting with other fans when I realized I hadn’t gotten her memoir signed! I did not come here to have regrets. My caregiver put the memoir on my lap, and I was a woman on a mission.
I got her attention by touching her arm, and when she met my eyes, I pointed to the screen of my communication device, saying, So sorry, I forgot to ask you to sign my copy of your memoir.
“Of course, I will.”
She wrote: Dear Hannah, you are obviously tenacious and bold. Keep chasing your dreams!
Oh, Delilah, I certainly will.
Readers, have a wonderful month! Thank you for reading about my adventures.
Love,
Hannah!
