My husband knows me too well. Starting Thursday, I’m off to spend four days at the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) conference, and it will be the first time I’ll pitch my current book to literary agents and publishing editors. Francis thought to himself, ‘hmmm, what could I get her as a good luck present, something she could wear or keep close to her at the conference?’ And he picked the absolute most perfect thing: a 46664 wristband.
Most people will think, ‘what the heck is that?’ But my husband, he knows these things. He is well aware of my admiration for the man associated with that number, of how I draw inspiration from that man’s persistence, resilience and commitment. You see, 46664 comes from the prison number given to Nelson Mandela when he was incarcerated at Robben Island for the start of his 27-year term—prisoner number 466 of 1964.
Today also happens to be Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday, and Mandela Day, as declared by the United Nations in 2009. The campaign message says “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes…We would be honored if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation…” To help us all get started, here are 67 ways to promote peace and change the world.
And since this post is all about integers, there’s another special thing about the number 94: it’s the year Mandela was elected President in South Africa’s first democratic election. In other words, it was the first time that black South Africans were ever given the right to vote.
I was there that year, living in Johannesburg, working in some of the squatter camps that had sprouted up south of the city and serving as an observer for the Electoral Commission. I recall the extreme tension and fighting before the election—right-wing AWB bombs and Zulu marches. I vividly remember the emotional impact that the voting process had on people, like the octogenarian who was so simultaneously frightened and exhilarated to be doing what he was doing that he wet himself in the voting booth. Best of all, I can still hear the joy and celebration from the days after the election in my head, even now.
Nelson Mandela, the 1994 elections and the mission of Mandela Day—they all ignite my passion, perseverance and commitment in a very tangible way, because I’ve witnessed what people can do, what they can make happen against some very gigantic odds. I’ll be wearing my 46664 wristband at the PNWA conference this weekend, and it will be just the reminder I need when I’m about to step up to an agent’s table at a pitch session. Actually, it’s a double reminder: I’ll be thinking of Nelson, and I’ll be thinking of my husband, or, as he likes to call himself, the other guy in my life.
Thank you for reminding us again of Nelson Mandela, who stood strong and firm for the idea and the reality of liberty. The world would not have survived without men like him. He does indeed ignite the flame of freedom in all of us. Have a great trip to the writer’s conference, and good luck with the pitch.
Thank you, Caleb. I’m really looking forward to a fun weekend.
Great article, Laura…a moving tribute to Mr Mandela. It was certainly a thoughtful gift that your husband gave to you. All the best pitching your book at the conference!
He is the best gift-thinker-upper ever. One year for Christmas he gave me a framed ballot paper from the 1994 election — identifiable as authentic because of the Inkatha Freedom Party sticker on the bottom. They joined the election so late that we were adding their party to the ballots with stickers at 5 am on the first day of voting!
Thanks for your comment!
Awww love it, will share the 67 ways with the boys tonight! You GO girl!! Be you + they will love you and your story!
Thanks, hon. Just yesterday I was re-reading that card you sent to me in 2009 — the one that says ‘remember, God never gives us more shoes than we can handle.’ It’s another thing that I keep handy when I want to fuel my persistence and commitment!
Sweet that you’re going to share that list with the boys. I hope that you all find something really cool to do together.
How wonderful. You two deserve each other in the finest way.
And yes, Mandela, another extraordinary man. I was in South Africa during that time too. Also there was an election happening among the Zulus for perhaps a new king. I asked a young black South African in the airport who he was supporting in that election, and he stopped and smiled, answering, “The King.” Then he smiled even more deeply and said, “The King, Mandela!” I love that country and Mandela is also my hero for more reasons too numerous to count.
All successful in your pitching !
Thank you, Christina! I love that we share a common experience of that interesting and amazing country.
Laura, You will do great! Great husband!
He’s a keeper! And thank you for your well wishes.
Can’t wait to hear about the conference! Good luck but I know you’ll be terrific.
I’m going to try to live-tweet from the conference, although I tend to not be very good at that because I get too engrossed and forget to tweet! Thanks for your good thoughts, Mary. xo
Good luck with your pitch!
Thanks, Diane. I’m going to go practice in front of the mirror right now.
LOVE this & Good Luck!!!
Thank you! I *know* you’ll be sending me positive energy!
Laura, Wonderful to run across this post. I had an urge recently–not sure why–to read Mandela’s autobiography, which I devoured on vacation. Now I am reading all the South African writers I can get my hands on. What a rich, focused life he has led; Happy Birthday, Mr. Mandela!
So glad you stopped by! And if you’re on a South African writer jag, may I recommend Rian Malan (My Traitor’s Heart) and Andre Brink (lots of good ones)? It has been years since I read them, but I loved them both.
Thanks for the suggestions–I didn’t know of these writers, and I’m excited to hear about them.
Laura, saw your reading selections. Loved My Traitor’s Heart. Have you read Laurens van der Post: A Story Like the Wind; A Far Off Place; The Lost World of the Kalahari – marvelous.
That is a wonderful gift! What a sweetheart.
By the power of Nelson Mandela, I will smite thee…or at least impress the agents and editors!
Ha! Love it. Thanks, Marniy!
How exciting, Laura! I know you’ll knock ’em dead. You must be the luckiest woman on earth finding that special husband of yours! Such thoughtful gifts. Thank you for mentioning Mandela…what a hero he is and will always be in our minds. It’s impossible to count the ways he has impacted not only South Africa, but the world. Happy birthday to this outstanding example of manhood!!
There aren’t too many like Mandela, or like my husband, for that matter! Thanks for stopping by, Jo. xo
Great post Laura! When I was a student I participated in the anti-apartheid protests to get the university to stop doing business with the South African government. There I learned about Nelson Mandela and his struggles. In Bill Clinton’s book he recalls how he was at a talk Nelson was giving, and Nelson asked some people in the audience to stand up. These people had been the ones who had jailed and tortured him, and Nelson went on to say he forgave them and held no ill feelings towards them. He is an amazing man.
Thank you, Rolando. Yes, his ability to forgive and move on is truly amazing, and one of the reasons he’s a role model for me. It’s so weird to think back to the days when apartheid was still raging on — hard to believe it last for as long as it did.