I think your mentor is correct, you will change the world more through your writing–because that is your particular gift. I’m always excited for you when you hit one out of the park.

Best wishes,
Sherry

It says so much that is good about you that you have given so much of your time, effort and compassion for the benefit of others. Consequently, your writing is vastly superior to that of so many who report on prison and mental health issues. (Of course, the same applies to your other reporting.) Too many reporters forget that people in prison and people coping with mental illnesses are people. Their reporting breaks down to – the prisoners, the mentally ill – without regard to the fact that there is no single simplistic label that can identify the strengths, weaknesses, loves, fears, interests, and needs of so many unique human beings. You never forget that we are all people first.

I trust you will continue to make a difference when you return to PW. Your readers are enriched by the body of knowledge and experience you bring to your reporting.

Be well,
Joe

P.S. Remember that offer of drinks if my girlfriend and I ever made it down to Philly from Reading? You probably don’t. We still haven’t made it to the city. Route 422 is a harsh mistress and Berks County is dense with a strong gravitational pull.