Author Madeleine L'Engle died Saturday at the age of 88.A Wrinkle in Time was one of my favorite books growing up--it still is. I didn't know she was a Christian until I was much older, and that only deepened my love of her stories. About 10 years ago, I had the luck to go with my uber-talented friend Susan to a writing conference at Seattle Pacific where L'Engle was the main speaker. I remember being surprised at how tall she was. She was formidable both in stature and voice, large and strong, gifted and frank.
After her last address, I waited in an aisle to meet her. Eventually, she made her way through clusters of people and walked towards me. I looked up at her and said something completely idiotic, but she shook my hand and smiled. Her grip was strong, just like her.
Today, the world seems a bit grayer without this storyteller.
(Thank you to Elliot for the news.)
(Image: Random House publicity photo)