I have been putting this off for quite some time. This “final step,” if you will, penning my last column for South Bay.
I told myself I would take my time with this one, write it well in advance of deadline, try to encapsulate everything in one epic, closing chapter. And yet, here I sit – 11:30 p.m. on the eve of my second to last day of work, staring at a mostly blank template as countless thoughts swirl in my brain.
While my last three columns have been vignettes of one sort or another – from birthday beginnings and numeric significance, to desktop mementos and the memories associated with them, to a flashback of my origins within the pages of the old Lindy hometown weekly – this one, well, this one leaves me at a bit of a loss for words.
My career, this portion of it, has been largely defined by my ability to transcribe a feeling on paper, to relate to readers from all walks of life by telling stories – of my life, of my surroundings and my observations of the people within them. Always, though, the idea was to find a common thread, a unifying theme.
Change. It is the one constant. A perfect theme for this transitional transcript, don’t you think?
Over the last several weeks, I have received countless letters from fans, family, friends – even a few detractors – most of whom were avid followers of my writing, all of whom wanted to take the opportunity to wish me well on the next phase of my journey. There were even a few phone calls from those wishing to speak to me, to tell me how much of an impact I had made on their lives, how deeply a particular column had resonated.
To say I was touched is to put it mildly. To think that any sentiment I have ever expressed in these last 13-plus years ... well, that’s pretty special. I can only extend my deepest, most heartfelt thanks to all of you for your loyal readership, your kind expressions of gratitude, and for allowing my words a place in your heart.
Many have asked if I will continue writing in any capacity, and to that I say YES. My website, Snapshots & Silhouettes, has become a haven for my favorite In Step selections, along with a collection of my photographs – one I hope to add to from time to time, as inspiration strikes and the words flow forth. No deadlines. Just pure writing. I do hope that you will follow along as I gingerly tiptoe into this next phase of my career ... The Next Step.
Once again, I would also like to extend my gratitude to the entire staff, past and present, of South Bay’s Neighbor Newspapers. Your support and encouragement has been an integral part of my growth over the years, and the opportunity to reach such a wide audience is one I will always appreciate.
To my family, whose love and pride have been the driving force in nurturing my talents and watching me spread my wings. To have you alone as my audience would have been fulfilling enough; thank you for pushing me to share this passion and for broadening the scope of my world beyond the borders of Lindy.
To my friends, who have offered words of wisdom through the years, often planting the seeds which ultimately grew into narratives. Week after week, you have taken what I had to offer and given me your honest feedback. Others have read quietly in the background all these years, and your silent support has not gone unnoticed as well.
To my “guest columnists,” my dearly departed little Buddy the Betta, and now, his understudy, Norton von Spudley – your “In Swim” contributions elicited much amusement and generated a whole new legion of followers, along with requests for a full illustrated series of children’s books. Perhaps, one day, that will come to fruition.
I would like to close this column as I have begun so many others, with a quote, one from the archives of high school literature, the old classic Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead ...
“Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.” ~ Tom Stoppard
This exit, this “final step,” is but the first of many in a new and exciting direction. Where the path may lead is anyone’s guess, but I look forward to the adventure which awaits. While this leg of the journey may be ending, in many ways, it will continue to serve as the foundation upon which the next chapter of my life will be built.
Not a bad stepping stone.
Not at all.
Published: September 5, 2018