I’ll also never forget Mark Derry and the Dispatch. I still
remember the 1995 blurb inviting readers to submit a creative idea
and three samples for a chance to become a weekly columnist.
There are in our existence spots of time, which with distinct pre-eminence retain a renovating virtue … A virtue by which pleasure is enhanced, that penetrates, enables us to mount – when high, more high, and lifts us up when fallen. . . Such moments worthy of all gratitude, are scattered everywhere.
~ William Wordsworth
It started with the belief that God had something special for Mike and I in this season of our lives. Which led to putting the house on the market. Which led to a sale. Which led to mountains of bubble wrap, newsprint and thick cardboard boxes.
In the beginning, we thought getting the house ready was the hardest part. Then, we thought it was getting through multiple inspections and contingencies. Then, trying to box up 22 years of living and 34 years of marriage.
We were wrong. The hardest part is saying good bye.
Like Wordsworth, I’ve accumulated many, many “spots of time” in this place we’ve called home for so many years. Those memories are “scattered everywhere” and deserve expressions of gratitude …
I’ll never forget the Casa Paloma experience. It started as a holiday boutique in the back of Phyllis Riedel’s realty office and quickly blossomed into a full fledged, full time shop with over 20 contributing artists. We worked, played, laughed, cried and actually made a few pennies. Even after the shop closed, “we” continued to be. Just thinking of those times puts a smile on my face and makes me want to get out the glue gun.
I’ll never forget the teachers who gave my children a quality education and a solid start in their prospective careers. Some made a difference just through quality prep time but others took it to a higher level with personal challenges or help. I’m convinced there’s no better way to encourage someone than to do something nice for their kids. (Which includes all of Matt and Melissa’s coaches, music teachers, mentors and bosses.)
I’ll never forget our great neighbors. As I hear so often from Gilroyans, people here really know how to connect without being nosey or overbearing. I still laugh at the memory of Beth pushing Mike into the pool at his 50th birthday party or Jeni and Rich teaching the Calabrese gringos the proper way to drink Tequila!
I’ll never forget all of the incredible people I met through hospice programs. What a privilege to learn about life from folks about to leave it behind. To receive the final gifts of those with so much to give and so little time to give it.
I’ll never forget all of my friends from Women’s Aglow. Working together for a common cause knit us together in inexplicable ways. As a team of committed women, we completed many rewarding tasks from the unforgettable Ravioli Fundraiser (where we made thousands of the spinach filled goodies in Joanne Rossi’s kitchen) to serving dessert to Gilroy’s homeless at the Armory.
I’ll also never forget Mark Derry and the Dispatch. I still remember the 1995 blurb inviting readers to submit a creative idea and three samples for a chance to become a weekly columnist. I didn’t have any journalism experience but wanted to write about Gilroy’s unsung heroes, the people who serve without looking for headlines or accolades.
Mark accepted the idea, gave it a graphic setting and turned me loose to find all of those who “Make a Difference” in the nooks and crannies of our town. In the five years that we ran the column, I wrote about 288 of you. Your stories are immortalized in the museum archives and will continue to inspire others for decades.
Your stories challenged and changed me in ways I could never explain. When I carried the Olympic Torch in 2002, I typed all 288 of those MAD names on a piece of paper and pinned it inside my jacket. I felt like you were the reason I had the strength to do something beyond myself and I wanted you with me as I pushed against my comfort zone.
With my goodbye, I want to make sure you hear me say that Gilroyans from many walks of life and different levels of effort have bequeathed me with, “Many virtues by which pleasure is enhanced, that penetrates, enables me to mount – when high, more high, and (will always) lift me up when fallen.”
Bonnie Evans has lived in Gilroy with her husband Mike for 21 years. They have two grown children and a black lab named Pepper. We wish her the very best and thank her for all she has done for Gilroy. Reach her at
bo******@gm***.com.
