I have cornered the market with the gift of gab. When people ask me what I do, my response varies among several descriptions, such as, “volunteer, professional volunteer, and community activist.”
Closer to the truth may be that I simply talk!
Just when I need that gift, it has failed me. I started this column three times with three different opening sentences before acceding I do not have the capability to sum up nearly 30 years as a Prince William County resident in 500 words, so I just want to thank you.
Thanks to my editor, Uriah Kiser for allowing me space, week after week to share my thoughts with readers. (If anyone is interested in writing an opinion column, I’m sure Uriah will be pleased to talk to you about it. Eric Vasey, here’s your chance!)
Thanks to all the Prince William County employees who have worked hard to meet my requests, answer my questions and shared my concerns, worked after office hours, and participated in events.
I am so grateful to the many groups and organizations who have worked with me and allowed me to serve my community: Dale City Lions, LOCCA, O.W.N. Optimists, Prince William Committee of 100, PWTSC, Business Women of Prince William County, Americans in Wartime Museum, Habitat PWC, KPWB, Lake Ridge Lions, NLG, Leadership Prince William, DCCA, OLR, WPCCA, MIDCO, Volunteer Prince William, PWC Chamber Prince William Crime Prevention Council and all those who supported Neabsco Action Alliance.
For all the people who have touched my heart, thank you for giving me a reason to live my life here with a purpose. Thanks to everyone who is making my departure as painless as possible. Thank you for the gifts, the cards, and the offers to help.
My philosophy has been simple: Lead by example. No job is too demeaning, no position too low, no task is beneath you. Making your place in the world is not about power. Making your place is about connecting people to benefit each other, not to benefit yourself. If someone needs help, offer your time and your talents.
The future in Prince William County depends on new ideas and willingness to work together toward a better quality of life for all. It also depends on the truth. There are a lot of wealthy, powerful people living in Prince William County and there are a lot of poor, powerless people here, too. It is not the job of the powerful to command change. It is not the job of the poor to accept their circumstance. It is the job of each and every one of you to work together to create solutions beneficial to everyone.
Stop dividing each other with your niche groups and your party politics. Work together as partners, make opportunities that will strengthen the community. Admit it when there are shortcomings. Realize that the best way is not necessarily YOUR way.
I don’t need to say “Goodbye,” as Facebook and the internet will keep us connected, but oh, how I will miss seeing so many of you face to face!
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