It was back in August of 1998 that I began my career at the Citizen newspaper and I never would have guessed at that time that it was something I would still be doing 22 years later.  There were some years where I was wasn’t working at the paper, but what I have discovered over time is that writing is something I need to do.  It not only gives me great pleasure, but it allows me to experience the same trials and tribulations that my students face.

Writing is a real life challenge, even for English teachers.  And what better way to try and help others with that challenge than to practice it myself?

Selfishly, I love to write because of the many rewards the process offers in terms of personal satisfaction and the opportunity to create something that (hopefully) others will enjoy.

Over the years, I can remember many of the wonderful conversations I’ve had with people, as well as the letters I have received from readers.  Yes, indeed, people are sometimes more than happy to offer their feedback on the things we write.

I believe it was 13 years ago I wrote a column about an addition to our family, how life would be changing and whether or not I had the intestinal fortitude to be a good dad . . . to our new puppy. Of course, I may have been a little nebulous about the puppy part although in my defense I never explicitly said we were having another (human) child.   The results were pretty hilarious (to me), as my wife was routinely congratulated around town on her pregnancy.  I received a few congratulatory handshakes at school as well.  Lesson learned?  Sometimes people only read the headlines!

Another memory comes to mind from perhaps 15 years ago and one of my annual weight loss challenge columns. Among many of the points I outlined, I offered that I would need the help of the entire town of Becker and its fine citizens to ensure two things.  I asked their help to ensure that I exercised more and also I needed to only purchase and consume healthy foods that had not been deep-fried. 

If there had ever been a question of whether or not people read the local paper, it was answered in the weeks that followed.  As I biked the streets of Becker, I can recall dozens of people rolling down their windows and offering encouraging (OK mostly disparaging) comments to me.  I had asked for tough love and the people responded in hilarious fashion.  I even tried to buy a nice dinner of deep fried chicken one day at Deli Plus and the woman refused to sell to me!  I laughed it off and told her I appreciated her efforts, but that I was really hungry and that weight loss thing had ended days ago.  “You’re not getting anything deep fried from me” was her smiling answer.

I’m grateful that the leadership team at Patriot has offered me the chance to be part of their endeavor moving forward.  I’m happy to have the chance to write, whether it be local government coverage or telling the stories of the people in the community in which I have lived for nearly 50 years. 

Oh, and the one lucky winner referenced in the headline?  That’s me.  Every day I have the opportunity to write is a good day.