Journeys

Today, I will read another writer’s version of “the story of the historic BHSP non-profit”  in a magazine article published this month.  I am especially interested since I know that story well.  I stepped in when everyone else had settled for the inevitable destruction of a nearly 100 year old stately building in the heart of my hometown.  It was pure happenstance. I had been living 2 hours away for 20 years until the year prior, I returned home to live by the river.  So, when I saw what was happening, I didn’t have any preconceived notions.  It was fortuitous that I didn’t have the back story of the politics involved or even know much about the people I would face on this journey.  I filed the incorporation papers with a personal check in 2005 and led the group until 2010 when we secured the deed with my signature. I will never forget what the patriarch and gentleman most closely associated with the building (JW) said-” I am proud of you. You may not be successful, but you will never regret trying”.  I can’t wait to see what they think about the shining renovations and the special place it holds once again, as a vibrant part of a small community! Of course, I realize the story will be colored based on who they interviewed. Four other leaders have held the helm since 2010, so it is probably going to be a summation by the current leaders, and rightly so.

Remember this, history is not all facts and figures. Often, it is the people who write and report on historical facts who shape our view of history. This is why it is so important to know who is writing the textbooks for school children and college students.  Their personal interpretation once established in written publications are accepted as fact and then passed down generation to generation. Unless I wrote a biography of the journey, no one would know more than a few dates in documents or images in newspaper articles written by hurried reporters with a “story angle” in mind!

Like all of us, this story reports on our success today, but we are all still on the journey.  I held the helm alone until we got to the “other side” of the dark swamp of despair with “belief, perseverance, family and humor”.  My successors were nowhere in sight, then, but well able to step aboard during the “Hey” phase.  It was the best of times and the worst of times during that 5 years. I was persona non grata during the “This is harder than I thought” phase and then the hero during the “Hmm” phase when everyone finally saw “it” like I did.  Do I feel proud? You betcha. Would I do it again? In a minute. Would I realize that everything takes 10 times longer than you think it should? Oh yes, and I may have wanted to give up even more during the hard times, so I am glad I did not know then, what I know now!! Hindsight is always 20/20, but some things you can “see” from the beginning and have no hesitation that it’s going to “turn out right”. This is one of those rare occasions for me. Creativity sprang from a fountain nourished by faith and vision. Everything and everyone that I needed, arrived right on time. It was a magical time!!

I hope that you feel that same rush of energy and confidence when you find your own ways to make a difference in this lifetime. There is nothing more important than looking back and being satisfied that you did what you could to make this world a better place. My heart has always been centered on preservation. Whether it is buildings, health or relationships, I see what we have as a treasure to protect and maintain. If we don’t use what we have, we cannot ask for more. Think about this and ask yourself- are you using all you have and all that you are- to reach ahead to what is waiting for you?