Our good friend Judy was awarded The David Thompson Award at Bouchercon. She was more than a bit surprised, and as a result didn’t have anything prepared. As these things go, she came up with something great after the fact. I thought we’d let her share it here ~ Jon

What I Meant To Say
Judy Bobalik

Judy getting the award, photo from Sarah RH

Most of this came to me as I was walking from the stage on Saturday.

When my name was announced as the winner of the David Thompson Special Service Award at Bouchercon, I was so overcome with emotion and shock that I could not formulate any response other than “thank you”. So here’s what I meant to say.

I am very proud to receive an award that honors the memory of David Thompson. But I would rather he be here telling us about his latest author discovery and helping us make new memories.

I must thank Ruth and Jon Jordan. In February 2005, Ruth called me to run an idea past me. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Bouchercon in Baltimore? I said, that sounds fabulous. She said, so you’ll be my co-chair? I didn’t hesitate, I said yes.

It was one of the best decisions of my life.

At that Bouchercon, Jon and I did the programming. I wasn’t sure it was something I could do but Jon had confidence in me.

In 2009, Al Abramson asked if I would do programming for the 2013 Bouchercon, and again I said yes, but only if Jon could be my co-chair.

Also in 2009, Jon and David Thompson put in and won the bid for the 2011 Bouchercon in St. Louis. Ruth and I told Jon and David we were done, that we would each take one job but no more. Ruth was going to handle the book room and I was going to handle registration and volunteers (I’m bad at math).

Jon called me in 2010 and asked if I would help him do programming for the 2010 Bouchercon and I said yes.

And then David died. Ruth and I stepped in and helped Jon in any way we could to make the St. Louis Bouchercon less of a burden to Jon. Ruth and I did the programming that year.

David, I did not know you well but I miss you terribly.

Thank you very much for this award. And if a Jordan calls, say yes.

Judy