Thanks to many ...

Well, here we are. In another few days we will be facing another decade. It seems as if just yesterday we were ushering in the new millennium. Where have the past 10 years gone?

They have been particularly trying ones for me and I consider myself lucky to still be here. I suppose “blessed” would be a better word. A near fatal heart attack in 2006 followed by quadruple bypass surgery, and breast cancer with surgery in 2008 and 2009 have slowed me down considerably. Actually it’s made me madder’n spit because I can’t go 90 miles an hour like I used to. But whether I’m slow or not, the Good Lord has decided to keep me around for a while longer. When I figure out why, I’ll let you know.

So, I guess my first thank you should be to Him, for my still being here.

My second thank you goes to Cal for keeping me on the job in these hard, uncertain times. I know he had some hard decisions to make this year and I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes for anything. Cal and I have been together for a long time ... not just here but at the “other” newspaper too. He is a very dear friend in addition to being my boss.

The next goes to my columnists — Sally, David, Paul and Justin — for their faithfulness each week in delivering our weekly religion message. I hope you have found their pennings thought-provoking as I have. They are appreciated more than they will ever know.

And, of course, I have to thank all of you for sending your religion news each week. Nearly all our news and photos are submitted by the churches. Some of the same people have been sending news for years and I feel as if I know you, even though I have never met any of you in person ... well, I have met Marie Mulvenna who contributes news from St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Marie has been doing this almost as long as I have. Good job, Marie.

And to all of the others, thank you so very much for your hard work. Please keep the news coming. Email is preferred and my address is the personal one ... [email protected].

Deadline is still Monday at noon for the following Wednesday’s paper.

So ... what plans does your church have for the new decade?