I found newspaper clippings stuck in the relics of my mother’s life. There were stories, opinion columns, and photos all with one common thread- my byline. I couldn’t help but smile between my tears - she had kept all of these pieces of me. The photocopies I found gave my Mom away as a distributor of my articles, as well as my agent, publicist, manager, and cheerleader.
When I read my opinion columns, I was astounded by how much I have grown and changed, and how my world views are so different from my 23-year-old self. Yes, I am more mature now, but it’s more than that. It’s the life experiences that fill the gap between then and now that have made a difference. I am ashamed of some of the opinions I expressed then; there are a few that still ring true. I am grateful for everything - good, bad, ugly, painful - that I experienced on the 33-year bridge between past and present, because it has all made me the woman I am today.
What a trip down memory lane it was to read my old musings and stories! Some of those opinion pieces were love letters to my parents, some were written because I had 15 inches to fill, and others were in response to current events. The feature articles were a fun read, and reminded me that one of my articles is buried in a time capsule in the Town of Woolsey! Another gem I found was the story I wrote about a gas tanker explosion that won “News Story of the Year, 1993” at Trib Publications.
My time at Fayette County News was among my most informative years, and I am a better writer and person for the time I spent there. Gary Cornwell took a chance on a young girl who was simply trying to follow her father’s command to “Go make something of yourself”. Pat Cooper, my boss lady, a.k.a. Editor, took me under her wing and taught me about life, tarot, ashes, and writing. Virginia Sanders opened up her heart, arms, and house to me. Miss Helen kept me in line in the most polite Southern way. Dan McDuffie provided us with hours and hours of laughter. John Dreisbach taught me how to frame a shot, get the shot, and get out!
I realize now- I was armed with my youth and a pen while chasing stories and dreams.
