Turning the page on another life chapter

My pen runneth dry.

This is the part of the movie where we each go our separate ways and the little blurry words, too small to read, come down the screen, along with notes of thanks to people too numerous to name while my many bloopers roll in the upper part of the screen. I’ve had more than a few of those.

I’ve occupied a spot on this editorial page for almost five years now — opening my life, my heart, and often, against her will, making my 17-year-old daughter Laura’s life an open book as well. But I’ve almost run out of things to say. It’s time to move on to a new chapter in life, and hopefully, a new career in whatever and wherever the Lord will lead me.

This week, Laura officially finished her last day of public education. A week from today, she will walk across a stage to receive her high school diploma. But not before she and my niece Crystal — often mistaken for her twin sister — live two fairytale nights as they take part in the 79th annual winding of the Maypole at Portales High School on Monday and Tuesday nights.

Laura will be dressed like a princess, wearing a stunning pink, pearl-studded, full-hooped Gone-With-the-Wind-like gown. My eyes are already moistening with tears.

Laura will then begin her next phase of education, as she begins her college career, taking classes maybe as soon as June to get a head start. Laura has decided to stay at home and go to Eastern New Mexico University, which I think is a wise decision.

Since 2000, I’ve shared my experiences of being a single mom raising a teenager and going back to school myself in the middle of a journalism career that has spanned 18 1/2 years. Laura was 10 when I began writing my first column for the Abilene Reporter-News in Abilene, Texas, from 2000 to 2002. 

In December 2002, I came back home to Portales after a seven-year absence and began writing a column for Freedom New Mexico in June 2003.

Occupying this spot has been fun and enlightening. I hope reading it has been fun and enlightening. You may not have always agreed with what I’ve had to say, which I truly respect. But I can say that God has been the guiding force in my life, and I’ve always made a sincere effort to write straight from my heart.

I’ve received a lot of feedback from readers, a few pats on the back and a few not-so-nice letters to the editor. But in the newsroom, any feedback from readers is welcome because that means they’re reading. Gracias!

Sometimes the feedback came from the most unexpected topics, like when I wrote about my mom losing her little Chihuahua. For some reason, that column stuck in readers’ minds and within two weeks, mom had her little Pepé back.

I’ve also put myself on the line at times, writing about controversial issues like immigration and the war in Iraq. Even tougher topics for me: writing about past substance abuse in my own family and widespread alcoholism within my culture.

I’m aware of the power of the press, even here in my hometown of P-Ville, home to the famous peanut butter milkshake and home to three or four old grouches. I’ve been one of those old grouches at times. Just catch me on the road on a bad hairday.

But all in all, I’m glad life brought me back home to Portales. Whether I’m here to stay or am just passing through again remains to be seen.

It’s true what they say: “You can never come home again.” While things may seem the same, you’re a different person and so are those around you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help make home a better place while you’re here — a better place for your children and grandchildren. I’ll always be a Portalesano, no matter where life takes me.

Turning back to the power of the press, it is something that can be used to amuse, infuse, maybe even confuse — but hopefully, not abuse.

I hope to be a journalism instructor someday. While I strongly advocate for free press, I also advocate for responsible journalism — journalism with a conscience for the truth, a truth that does not ignore the divine, a truth that is in line with my Christian beliefs.

May God bless you all!

Helena Rodriguez writes for Freedom New Mexico. Contact her at:
helena_rodriguez@link.freedom.com