Last week, it was brought to my attention that I have been the newspapers’ Community editor for an entire year, as Janice Kiaski was kind enough to bring in doughnuts for the office in celebration of her one-year retirement anniversary.

I had no idea it had already been a year. It sure has gone by rather quickly.

Janice stopped before I arrived at work.

I missed the opportunity to let her know that her gesture was truly appreciated.

I could tell someone had been to the office, as there was a box of k-cups waiting for me at my desk.

Thank you, Janice for the wonderful surprise.

I love surprises. Then again, who doesn’t?

I’d also like to thank Janice for messaging me out of the blue almost 13 months ago, asking if I would be interested in taking over her position.

I’m unsure how many people were asked prior to my name coming to mind.

But I am honored, none-the-less.

You see, you were amazing at this job.

So, when you informed me you were planning to retire, I was shocked.

You are very personable. Knowledgeable.

A fantastic writer who could always make a story interesting even if it wasn’t an interesting story to tell.

And that’s why I was hesitant.

My response to your proposal was that I needed a little more time to think about it.

Of course, I didn’t think too long or too hard because the serving job I had taken wasn’t where I wanted to be.

As a matter of fact, it was the worst job I’ve ever had.

So leaving there was an easy decision.

Coming here was a difficult one.

For those who may not remember, I did work as a reporter and staff writer for the Herald-Star from 2005 through 2011.

So they were aware of my previous writing abilities and inabilities.

I left because I needed to take on additional jobs to support my children, who were still fairly young and desired expensive shoes and clothing.

Even though I was no longer here, I missed the writing. The covering stories. The people.

For more than a decade I waitressed. It paid the bills and bought those expensive clothes and shoes they had so wanted.

Eventually, my children became older, moving out so as to start a new life on their own.

Now, it was just me and my dogs. And my missing a chance to write again.

So when I received that message from Janice asking me to be the next community editor, I definitely entertained the idea.

Although I certainly didn’t want to succeed you.

I knew subscribers would miss you. To follow in your footsteps would be quite difficult, to be honest. And it is.

But something tells me that I believe you might have felt that way, too, once upon a time.

You took over as community editor following Marian Houser’s departure.

She was such a staple of the Herald-Star. Loved by everyone who knew her.

But you did fill her shoes. You flourished and made people fall in love with you.

And although I am trying, I know it isn’t the same for readers.

I remember when I first arrived, I was told I shouldn’t try to be you. That I should just be me. Do me.

That in time, people would get to know me and my writing style. That it is a different time, now.

Again, I am trying. And still learning. Even after a year.

This position has given me the opportunity to meet some really exceptional people.

Folks I otherwise would have never gotten to know if it wasn’t for this job.

People who still hold a special place in my heart after all these years because they are simply good, kind people.

And those are tough to find these days.

Genuine, considerate people are such a Godsend. We all need someone to show us some compassion every once in a while. Don’t we? And it doesn’t cost a thing.

I have been touched to know some truly wonderful people because of the Herald-Star.

Regina Truax comes to mind. She once told me that God has been so good to her that she loves she is able to give back to others.

I love that.

I love when someone gives the credit to God for the blessings in their life.

Because that is where it comes from. And they recognize that.

It wasn’t by chance that I am here writing. Again.

God wants us to utilize the talents and gifts He has given us.

I hope everyone understands that.

It always breaks my heart when I see someone throwing away such precious moments by not using their talents and special gifts God has given them.

It is such a waste.

I know. Because for a long while, I was that person.

And although I believe I made an exceptional waitress, it is not where my heart really lied.

I am not saying by any means that I am a talented writer. But it is what I love doing.

And he knew that this is what I wanted to do all along.

I have had the pleasure of meeting the Rev. Jim Monogioudis, who I’ve mentioned a time or two before. He is worth mentioning again.

Jim is the pastor of Rush Run Community Chapel in Rayland, of which I have never been.

He began writing to me after reading my Sunday columns. Then he started stopping in every once in a while. Asking how I was doing. Or just to sit and pray with me and for me.

Who could ask for more than that?

He phoned me one day and we discussed different pastors and authors. I noted I really liked listening to Joel Osteen.

A few days later, one of Joel’s books arrived in the mail. And later, another. Then another.

Pamphlets and brief messages teaching various lessons would arrive or be left at my desk.

It’s as if God sent this man into my life to teach me things I have yet to learn.

And for that, I am beyond grateful. Grateful for his kind heart. For his caring about my soul. And a mere “thank you,” just doesn’t seem like quite enough.

When I first started here in 2005, one of my first articles led me to phoning a woman who I liked immediately. Over time, I came to adore her.

Phyllis Riccadonna is a beautiful person. Inside and out. I ran into her at the Wine and Shoe Extravaganza last month. She hugged me as though she missed me.

Whether she did or not, it is always a beautiful feeling when you think someone actually misses being in your company. Isn’t it?

I also had the privilege of meeting Steubenville resident Richard Adams.

I did a story for Adams last year. His wife had died but he continued to tend to her garden with other members of his immediate community.

People have come from all over to see this small garden which the couple created.

Its purpose was to deter people from littering the area. Eventually, it became a place where people came to pray.

He e-mailed me the other day and I became excited to hear from him again. After all this time.

Another surprise. It bares repeating — I love surprises.

They rarely happen, but when they do it is such a good feeling. Isn’t it?

Knowing someone took the time to think about you or that someone would spend their hard-earned money shopping for something they believe you would like, is one of the greatest blessings we can receive.

I do not claim to be an amazing writer. I just try my best. And hopefully, they will let me continue to learn.

Because I like it here.

I like using my gifts.

And I love when I meet an extraordinary person who I will remember for a very long time.

Again, thank you Janice. Thank you for allowing me a chance to fill your shoes. Perhaps one day, I can.

Until then, make life full of surprises for someone. Everyone loves a surprise.

Make it a good one.