On the best of 2002, and a story possibility for '03

Lists of the best and worst from the Old Year on just about every subject imaginable have been filling space in print publications and on the airwaves for the past few days. For what it's worth - which may not be much - here's my addition to "Listmania, 2002."

The stories that I enjoyed writing the most from the past year are listed pretty much in the order they originally appeared. There is no "first or last" among them - each was a rewarding experience.

• The opportunity to learn about a group of area families who came together to form Colors of Love, a support group for families with children of transracial adoptions, was a real pleasure. Visiting with Jim and Cyndi Thelen and seeing the genuine care and concern on display in their home for all their children was an uplifting experience.
• Most story ideas begin with a 'tip' from someone about an upcoming event or noteworthy person. If Dale Brown wouldn't have 'tipped' me off about the heroics of a fellow veteran, Dennis Scott, I would never have been able to write the story about Denny's receipt of a Bronze Star - 30 years after the action in Vietnam that earned him the medal of valor. It took a little prodding to get the story out of him. Thanks for putting up with me, Denny - and most especially for serving us all so valiantly.
• Speaking of prodding, Amber Matheson, our sportswriter during part of '02, was insistent about my accompanying her to a Fowler boys basketball game during their run through the playoffs last March. I'm glad I did. Watching the Eagles defeat Covert 75-72 in a double overtime thriller at the Class D state quarterfinals and beat Centerline St. Clement 76-47 at the semifinals brought back a lot of memories of other Fowler teams playing in other championship games. It was a joyous time.
• One of the two most pleasurable events of 2002 is linked in a way to March Madness. Ella Chaudier Gaffney made her appearance into the world March 23 - at just about the same time that Fowler's season ended with a 45-63 loss to Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian in the championship finale. Needless to say, seeing Ella's lovely little face and holding her for the first time was just a little bit better than basketball that day.
• Skipping forward in time - and getting this story list completely out of order - is the other 'best event' of 2002. A grandson, Caleb James Gaffney, was born Aug. 25 - just one day short of his dad's birthday. Caleb's sister, Gwendolyn, cautioned me about being careful for "his little head" when I held him, and continues to be a great little mother for her brother.
• Jumping back to June, St. Johns High School alumnus Ben Miller began a cross-country cycling trip as a participant of Bike Aid to promote peace and understanding. When I finally made contact with Ben, via telephone while he was cycling through the western states, he talked about his July 4 experience at a powwow - one of the many unique and interesting occurrences during his weeks of pedaling.
• A trip to The Plains cemetery in Lebanon Township last August provided an opportunity to meet some of the volunteers working on the Clinton County cemetery restoration project. They were a fun-loving crew doing very, very good deeds which earned well-deserved recognition from the Michigan Legislature. The project, coordinated by Betty Driscoll, will start up again this spring - be looking for follow-up articles.
• Writing the story about Edna Flegler's receipt of the Bill Patton Award from the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors was enjoyable for several reasons. Obviously, it was good to be able to give Edna some "ink" and let people know about the many projects she's had a hand in over the years, but it was particularly pleasing to hear about her helping nature from a gentleman who should know - B. Stanley Pocuis. Talking with the former principal of Rodney B. Wilson High School from his home in Florida was a real treat.
• Last, but certainly not least, was a story written just last month about an area resident's continuing battle with kidney disease and the need for a transplant. Brenda Higgins was one of the most optimistic and cheerful people I had the pleasure of talking with during the past year. Those qualities were especially noteworthy given her nearly life-long struggle with a disease that is becoming more and more debilitating for the lovely lady.

While it was an absolute pleasure to meet Brenda and string some words together in a plea for a kidney donor, I didn’t really think there was much of a chance that the story could make a difference. I was wrong.

As of last week, three area residents had committed to undergoing the necessary tests to see whether or not they could be donors for Brenda. Wouldn’t it be something if 2003 brings a new kidney - and a new lease on life - to this wonderful lady. Now, there's a story worth writing about.