Over the past decade I've written hundreds of thousands of words for the Maidstone Mirror, Regional Optimist and News-Optimist. It has been an amazing journey.
I've met many people who have recognized me from my column and have been delighted to hear the stories they've told me in response to what I've written. I've been told by a reader she thought I would be taller and I've made friends with people who met me first on the pages of the newspaper.
I've enjoyed sharing stories about my life and my opinion on what has been happening in my neighbourhood, province, country and the world. There have been times I've sat on the fence and times I've switched sides.
My writing skills have improved under the guidance of an amazing editor and the sheer volume of words I've typed.
Words mean a lot to me. I take seriously advice my father gave me long ago about the value of a person's word and have been honoured to share my truths. Words have given me strength and have allowed me to express myself.
I am surrounded by words. I have stacks of books in my home, I love libraries and I am always in the middle of three or four books. I love poetry, short stories, novels and non-fiction. I spend hours reading online news and subscribe to mountains of magazines and newspapers.
Sometimes words hurt me. In the past several weeks I have spent time listening to and reading about a grassroots movement. I have listened to words of respect, gentleness and a call to concern and unity. I've read online news articles and have been shocked to see comments written showing an ugly side of society.
The expression of different opinions is valid but nasty generalizations and words of hate are not. Racism seems to be rising in our land and although I am not a target I am hurting. I know I should avoid the comment sections, but I want to learn more and I suppose if there is ugliness I shouldn't always look away or ignore it. I should do my best to build beauty and peace.
This week on Martin Luther King Jr. Day I sat on a couch with my children and we listened to hisentire "I have a dream" speech. The words were powerful and still meaningful today.
The children wanted to talk about justice and were surprised people were treated so poorly. They too are drawn to words of hope. I've always believed we need to know the past in order to make the future better.
I know my future will continue to be wrapped in words and I hope they'll be beautiful. I have four more for you, thank you for reading.
Editor's Note: It is with sadness and true regret that we publish Danica's final My Side of The Fence. Our association has spanned a decade and readers and I will truly miss her perspective, insight and compassion.
