No. 200: Sweeter Than Cake

"41" by Tom Wills, May 2013

I rolled around inside of my head what No. 200 should be. Another milestone, I wanted it to be especially significant.
First, I thought, a picture of my late mother would be nice.  But I have no decent late-years photos of her, and my brother also couldn't produce one.
So No. 195 became Nos. 196, 7, 8 and 9 and ...
No. 200 was up.

And then, this happened:
http://www.vindy.com/news/2013/may/05/a-labor-of-love-ends-after--great-years/

Dennis Mangan decided to retire after 41 years at The Vindicator, where I have been for nearly 30.  He was the assistant city editor when I came aboard and, like me, cut his teeth as a reporter in Trumbull County. He goes out swinging as editorial page editor.
I learned on the Friday before my vacation that Dennis would be leaving, and went over to shake his hand. "Good luck," I said. "Sorry I'll miss your cake."

On the drive home, I thought, "That was shitty."
People who have left the place after far less commitment have gone out the door with a picture in hand.
So, I drew a Corvette for Dennis, who actually has a 2004, like the picture.
Delivered it, and he hung it -- for three more days -- on his cubicle.
(The license plate reads "41." Damn cool.)

I love cake, mind you. But a slice of life is much sweeter.
Now, No. 200 means something to two people.
Enjoy your retirement, Dennis, and don't check the rear view mirror too often.
Look forward.