Back in 2005 I reached one of the pinnacles of my writing career up to that time—I had a story, “Tough as Daisy,” published in everyone’s favorite dentist office magazine, Highlights for Children. It got even better a little while later, when a surprise package was delivered, an author of the month award from the magazine. Each month, the editors of Highlights choose a favorite story, and I was lucky enough to receive it.

It’s a little hard to make out, but it reads:
Highlights for Children
Author of the Month
David M. Simon
“Tough as Daisy”
January 2005

It’s a little beat up, a little worn, but after nearly 20 years I’m still ridiculously proud to have been chosen.