A milestone is defined as “a significant event in your life.” Milestones often begin a new leg of our life’s journey. I recently enjoyed one such significant event – my 70th birthday! I am celebrating this milestone by taking a road trip to Maryland and will be having lunch with some of my high school classmates. The Mt. Savage High School Class of 1971 will all turn 70 this year!
This got me thinking about some of the other milestones in my life. One took place in June – the 10-year anniversary of My City Magazine – and for me, ten years of writing stories for our readers. As I look back on the last decade, all I can say is what a wonderful experience it has been. I’ve interviewed hundreds of people all over the county and beyond, and from all walks of life. I was trying to think about what story was my favorite, but there are just too many great ones to choose from!
I do love writing about food and one “My Eats” story that comes to mind is a piece I wrote highlighting the variety of eateries located at Flint Farmers’ Market. After all of the food (delicious barbecue!) was photographed for the article, the vendors gave it to me and our photographer – and it was a TON of food. We ended up taking it to the Flint Fire Department where the team on duty all enjoyed an unexpected feast.
When I write a story, I hope to inspire some sort of emotion – laughter, happiness, enjoyment and sometimes even a tear or two. I have received many texts, emails and telephone calls from readers who have enjoyed my stories and my “Thoughts” column. When I wrote the recent piece I entitled “Cheers and Tears,” about my grandson’s graduation from Marine Corps training in Parris Island, SC and the emotions my family was feeling, a reader sent me this: “Thoroughly enjoyed your column this month. You’re such a beautiful and descriptive writer. When a writer can draw the reader in as if he’s there, that’s GOOD! Definitely an art.”
I have enjoyed many, many milestones in my life – my 16th birthday (surprise party), getting my first car, high school graduation and my move to the big city, marriages, weddings, the births of my three children and five grandchildren, my first house, kids’ graduations, retirement from government work and so many more. Some of my favorite milestones reached by family members include seeing my grandson Mack become a Marine, watching my son Matt graduate from Michigan Tech, and celebrating my parents 60th wedding anniversary.
I have made many cherished memories over the years and experienced those life-changing moments. I hope to make many more and I am sure I still have some milestones in my future … maybe a great-grandchild, one or two? We will have to wait and see!
I guess it really isn’t all about reaching milestones. As Rose Kennedy once said: “Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.”
