It’s been a blessing, privilege to share my thoughts

I have to be honest with you, my dearest readers, I have been struggling to write as of late. Not for a lack of things to say, nor due to a lessening of my passion to write, but because I have not been able to offer the same critical voice that I have been known for.

Nearly a year ago, my life changed when I came to finally know God.

My entire perspective of the world around us has changed so drastically.

It is as though I am looking at the world through a completely new set of eyes.

A cliché I know, yet there is no other way of describing where I am at today.

Whether it was politics or other various topics that I have touched on over the years, I maintained a certain tone in my writing. If you have read enough of my pieces, you would know that I have been critical, stern, or even bitter sounding at times.

There was a reason for that, an intentional tone. The thing that has always bothered me the most is seeing potential that was never achieved, whether within people, politicians, or our society at large. I haven’t been critical for the sake of it, but because I have simply wanted to see people do the best they can.

However, I can’t provide that critical voice anymore.

I cannot continue to write from a perspective that has led many of you to think that I am a grumpy old man.

I further find that I can’t talk about anything other than God anymore.

The thing is, I have been experiencing joy, pure joy for the first time in a long time. The last six years, my entire life really, leading up to being found had been mired with such immense suffering. Things I cannot even mention here that nearly destroyed me.

I am free of all that now, oh so incredibly free. I’ll certainly save all of that for my autobiography. Yes, I intend to continue writing throughout my life, it just won’t be in this space anymore.

So, with all of that said, after more than four years writing for The Peterborough Examiner, 185 columns, around 120,000 words, this will be my last piece here for now.

I want to thank you all for reading my words whether you agreed or not with the opinions and perspectives I have offered. I have appreciated all the emails and comments over the years, the good and the bad. Those who have supported me, and those who have challenged me to do better.

I want to thank the team at Metroland Media, particularly the former editors of The Examiner, Kennedy Gordon and Reginald Watson, for believing in me, for giving me a voice, and this opportunity.

It has been such a blessing and a privilege to be able to share my thoughts with our community.

I am sure there are some who will revel in this day, by all means rejoice. Although this is a sombre moment for me, I am satisfied with the decision I have made to no longer write in this space.

I have been called to do more than just complain in a weekly column. I have been called to roll up my sleeves and actually start doing something tangible within my life and the lives of others.

All of that suffering within my life that I briefly mentioned, has had such a divine purpose, shaping me into the man I am today.

I cannot wait for what is to come over the next several years. I hold nothing but hope.

I will still be around. Peterborough is and always has been my home.

Perhaps a book or two will be in order down the line. I’ve always wanted to share my poetic works more.

I bid you farewell for now my friends. God bless.