I say "helped," because it took many people to push that first, and every other, edition out on time. We had page designers, production people, advertisers, sales reps and, of course, us writers and photographers. I most certainly didn't do it alone. But it was like giving birth; being there to grab the first copy of Luminaries as it came off the presses was a magical moment for me. After a successful career in banking, I never imagined being a newspaper editor.
I say "changed the face of the non-profit world," because until that day 10-years ago, there wasn't a place for charitable organizations to tell their stories, to shout their successes to the mountain-tops, to show their appreciation for their donors and volunteers or to invite others to join the cause.
Tonight I had the sheer pleasure of sharing some very exciting-to-me news with 24 women who have supported me and Luminaries, who have impressed me, who have become a part of my life and helped make me who I am today - primarily because of their own passion for making our little slice of paradise an even better place to live. All of the women, each in their own way, is working for the greater good and I am inspired by them everyday.
One, believing in the power of a sit-down, family meal, started a small non-profit based on that important concept and has grown it from serving 20 families to serving 800 families in just two short years.
Another, believing in the need to help children who have been abused/neglected through the court system process, jumped right in and became an advocate for children's rights. Her volunteer career has taken her from managing about 30 volunteers to more than 500 volunteers, and today she hosts annual symposiums on the needs of children - bringing in high caliber guest speakers.
Still another has dedicated her life to the care of those suffering with Alzheimer's disease and the needs of their caregivers.
One is dedicated to helping save unwanted pets from a life of foraging in the woods for food, another spent much of her life helping those with HIV/Aids, and still another is working with those who are trying to save our lagoon waters. One even travels to Latin countries to help educate young people.
Some of the women there tonight (and some who couldn't be there) have, unknowingly, served as mentors to me; one whom I met through my mother's friendship with her mother, one a former colleague, one a photographer/writer and one, like me, a former caregiver to her own mother.
Although my job as editor of a social magazine fills my life with happiness and fun, I do have a few bad days now and then, and it is some of the women there tonight to whom I turn to help me see the humor in all things.
I didn't realize it until recently, but a day doesn't go by that I don't lean on one of them for something. Life is a lot of work. It is these women who give me the strength to continue, even when I just don't want to.
I asked each of them to come and have drinks with me tonight, because each has played an important role in my success as an editor, and also because I love them and pray they will continue to be a part of my life. My toast was and is to them.
Tonight I announced that I have given notice at my place of employment and I am moving on in a new direction. Stunned by the news, many were surprised to learn I can let go of the baby I birthed 10-years ago. In some ways, it's no different than knowing when it's time to let go of your own children.
It's all been a process through which I have needed to travel -- learning how to live without my mother has led to many changes, and this is one of them. I am honored to have been a part of the success of Luminaries and grateful for everything that came to me because of being with a company that entrusted that success to me.
But I am forever indebted to the women who shared their time with me tonight, without whom I'd have no inspiration.
