Celebrating twenty years of Serendipity

Serendipity was introduced to readers in October 1988, which means the column is 20 years and one month old. As the creator and only author of said column, I am proud of its longevity. When I approached my former professor at Bradley University, the late Dr. Jack Fought, and asked him about writing for the paper that he and his colleague, Dr. Joe Misiewicz, were publishing, his response was an enthusiastic “yes!” I was delighted and hesitant. One of those, “it seemed like a good idea at the time” moments. It’s one thing to write for a class assignment, quite another to write for publication. The paper then was the West Bluff Word, with the two professors acquiring it from previous owner, Patricia Kenny.

When the paper with its new owners debuted in September 1988, after a four-month hiatus, there was my name as writer of a piece appropriately entitled …Beginnings…

My newspaper dealings were always with Jack, whom I called Dr. Fought for many months until he suggested I drop the formality. That proved difficult for me as he had been my teacher and I was taught never to refer to teachers or anyone in authority by anything less than their formal title. But I appreciated his suggestion and eventually worked through my discomfort.

I specifically remember Jack asking me to choose a name for my column, an opportunity I appreciated. The name Serendipity conveyed my sentiments nicely. It seemed a most appropriate title for articles I was hoping would give readers “the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.” My first column appeared on page 17 of the October paper. How exciting for me!

Writing the monthly article was pure pleasure. Using the computer at Jack and Joanne’s house to officially submit my article was difficult. I always enjoyed visiting with both of them, but I suffered from chronic computer apprehension. I feared erasing their entire system or shutting down publication for weeks because of my ineptness. No catastrophes occurred for which I’m still grateful.

When Bob Renner became the owner, I would literally deliver the article to his residence. It wasn’t until 2000 came and went with no glitches that my husband and I bought a computer and signed up for Internet service. Now my article is emailed each month, sometimes much before deadline and often, just barely making it. The writing of the column is still a pleasure.

My first article detailed the dilemmas of being a college student, wife, and mother of three, ages 14, 13, and 11. My family provided much needed encouragement even if they didn’t understand my motives for higher education at my higher age.

Through the years I have shared with readers numerous joys and challenges of my life. It’s often in the writing that I have come to terms with certain circumstances, or gained insights as I share my story with others. We all have stories to tell, and I appreciate the opportunity to tell mine.

Having someone tell me, “I read your column and I can so relate” is an awesome compliment. There is great joy in sharing. Regardless of the paths we’ve been given or chosen, we have much in common. It’s my pleasure to remind readers and myself of our commonality.

To all who read this column, my sincere thanks. To Debbie Adlof, the current editor, and to those before her, thank you for a great opportunity to detail my personal Serendipity.