I recall a Catholic priest who always asked parishioners at Mass to stand if they had a birthday that week. Some enjoyed the tradition, others thought it a little odd. But after everyone stood, he always reminded us: it’s better to have a birthday than not to have one.

I thought of that as I mark my 74th year on this earth. What weighs most on my mind is the loss of two close friends this past year, both about my age.

Jack Mitchell was a childhood friend with whom I stayed connected into adulthood. Larry Henry was once my morning show partner on Columbus, Indiana radio. I treasured both friendships, and their absence still leaves a void. Losing friends your own age is a sobering reminder of mortality.

I’ve had my own brushes with it. In October 2020, just months into the COVID-19 pandemic, I tested positive and was very sick for days. My doctor came close to sending me to the hospital. By luck, I recovered at home. Many others my age did not survive in those early months before vaccines and effective treatments.

Then, in November 2021, I landed in the hospital with a rare form of E. coli. I later learned just how easily it could have been fatal. Once again, I was fortunate to recover.

I had actually announced in March 2020 that I intended to end this blog. I’d been at it for years, and it’s been a labor of love—but also a lot of labor for a one-man operation. Then COVID hit, and I decided to keep going a little longer. After my own COVID illness, I realized I needed to continue this work.

I believe God keeps us here for a reason, and takes us when our time is done. Many of my contemporaries are gone, yet I remain. The only conclusion I can draw is that I’m still here because I have more to do. For me, part of that purpose is this: I think, therefore I blog.

Covering news isn’t always uplifting. Conflict and bad news often take center stage. But when possible, I try to highlight the good as well—the moments that show why Fishers is such a special place to live.

I often remember what Fred Rogers said: when bad things happen, look for the helpers. I’m not sure journalists are always helpers, but sometimes we can be. Since my first post in January 2012, my goal has been simple: to keep Fishers residents informed about their community. I can’t say how well I’ve succeeded, but I can say I’ve given it my best effort.

Of course, I’m more than a journalist. I’m a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin and friend. Those roles come first. But journalism is still a part of who I am.

Each night before sleep, I reflect on how fortunate I’ve been. I’ve had a full career—first in radio, programming music, then hosting talk shows and reporting news. Later, I served as a federal civil servant, where I’m proud of the work I did alongside so many dedicated people.

Finally, I want to thank you—my readers. My aim has always been to report fairly, though sometimes I feel called to write commentary when important issues aren’t otherwise being addressed. When I launched this blog in 2012, I thought I might reach a few hundred readers. I never imagined that 13 years later, more than 100,000 unique visitors would check this blog out in a single year. That’s only possible because of you.

Now, as I celebrate my 74th birthday, I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to keep this up. For now, though, my health is stable and my mind is clear enough to carry on. So, the posts and podcasts will continue.

Fishers has its challenges, and I’ll continue to cover them. But this city is also filled with good people who care deeply about their community. That’s why I remain optimistic about Fishers’ future.

Thank you for reading.