The time has come for me to retire.
I wish I could say my decision was based on something other than a recently diagnosed terminal illness, but the facts are the facts. And the facts are what I’ve spent my lifetime providing for you, my dear readers.
After 50-plus years as an old-school journalist, it’s time to walk away. To put that final # on my last story.
I guess you could say I am truly a dying breed.
I thought about trying to continue working to the end, but what’s that saying … no one ever wished they worked more on their death bed — even though I’ve spent a lifetime loving what I do.
I chose March 15 to retire because in 2012 while covering the Dexter tornado for AnnArbor.com, my plan for Chelsea Update was conceived.
It dawned on me in the midst of that national story that I could do this better. I really didn’t need a whole bunch of editors mucking with my stories. At that point in my long career in newspapers, I’d done about every job in various newsrooms so I already had the hands-on experience.
Plus, I lived here. I knew everyone. And I understood what residents wanted to read. Or not read. Because they weren’t shy about telling me.
So I gave my two-week notice, bought the URL for Chelsea Update from my neighbor, set up focus groups, consulted with the Chamber of Commerce, talked to advertisers and my version of Chelsea Update was born on July 23. Why that date? It was purposely chosen to coincide with the date that The Ann Arbor News as a daily print publication ceased publication in 2009.
I can walk away proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’ve done it my way, which makes it even sweeter.
And please know this decision was one of the hardest I’ve ever made. Some of you have been supporting me from Day 1. Although I am stepping away, your news won’t go away overnight. I’ve scheduled stories through the end of this month and into April. Because, quite frankly, I’m not quite sure I can walk away cold turkey.
As for my immediate plans, I’m not sure about those either, but … that will be the fun of it. A new chapter will unfold.
What would you do with your life if you knew ahead of time that you had a year to live, maybe more, maybe less? It’s actually kind of freeing, in an odd sort of way.
I’m not scared of dying because I believe I will be reunited with Buzz and my other dogs that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My current two will be in a great home when I’m gone. But, the journalist in me also has questions if this will truly happen. So, I’m leaving those answers to faith. In the meantime, I look to the heavens and appreciate every sunrise and sunset and thank God for another healthy day.
I have no interest in traveling the world or buying an expensive car or any of those things that people have on their bucket lists. Quite frankly, I don’t even have a bucket list.
I’ve spent my life as Lisa the reporter, the editor, and publisher. I’m not quite sure how my days will unfold as just plain old Lisa. But I guess I shall find out soon.
I do intend to show Aidan for as long as I am able and hope that it’s in the cards that I’m healthy enough to make it to July 17 and the Rally Nationals to meet the goal I set with him to compete there.
I look forward to going to the Chelsea Farmers Markets and planting a garden and enjoying my hummingbirds.
And, I hope I’m able to personally enter one last cross-stitch piece in the Chelsea Community Fair. But if I’m not around, I have a friend who is tasked with doing so for me. So, even if I’m not there, my annual piece with be. Who knows, I might even have time to do one ahead of time for 2027 now that I’m not working all the time.
I’ve lived a pretty simple, yet fulfilling life. I’ve accomplished everything I set out to accomplish and I’m happy with that. I’ve spent the last 14 years giving back to this community and I hope you’ve enjoyed my efforts. You’ve made me feel appreciated and cherished and for that there are no adequate words.
What’s ahead? Who knows for sure, but there will be time spent with close friends and family without worrying about writing, editing and coding stories for Chelsea Update daily.
So thank you, everyone, for supporting my efforts. It has truly been my honor and privilege to publish it for you daily.
Thank you for believing in me and for trusting me to bring you all the news that’s fit to post about Chelsea. It’s meant the world to me to do this for all of you.
Godspeed.
