10/25/2002

Good-bye, Fair Readers
Thanks for your insights

The end of October marks the end of my five-and-a-half years providing feature articles for the SNET Web site. It's every writer's dream to have such steady contact with readers. I've enjoyed this opportunity beyond measure to share my ideas, listen to yours and develop an online dialogue with thousands of citizens across the state. The four columns I've contributed every week: Insights, Issues in Education, Q&A in Education and Reader viewpoints – have provided fact, opinion and debate about important issues of the day. Dozens of local writers have utilized this space to tell the public about their ideas and publications. It's been my privilege to meet some of you in person over the years, as our paths have crossed at various venues around Connecticut. The Internet is truly a great equalizer, giving anyone who wants to take advantage of it a chance to be heard.

I've learned so much from all of you:

When I wrote about homelessness, dozens of people asked how they could help. Via the Internet I found out where local shelters were located in readers' communities, so they could donate money, food, clothing and their valuable time. The charity and compassion of Connecticut citizens brought me to tears of appreciation.

When I wrote about breast cancer awareness month, dozens of women told me about support networks that I posted online for hundreds of others to see and access.

When I asked for votes among seven candidates for a woman nominee for president, more than 10,000 votes were cast, ending in a dead heat for the top three: Christine Todd Whitman, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Oprah Winfrey! Remember that one?

When I wrote about a childhood fire, I heard from firefighters around the state who sent me long lists of tips about fire prevention and safety, for the benefit of all.

When I wrote about ADHD, parents, teachers and doctors sent me hundreds of personal stories about ways they were able to help their children succeed in school, despite obstacles related to attention problems and restlessness.

When I wrote about legal issues, several lawyers and a superior court judge stepped forward to take legal questions that I couldn't answer.

When I announced the publication of my first book, WILD TULIPS, people from around the state wrote their congratulations and wished me well.

We've had our disagreements, to be sure. That's what this forum is for. If I couldn't stand the heat, I would never have entered this proverbial "kitchen". Out of debate and disagreement often comes deeper understanding and mutual respect. That's what I have strived to achieve through these years of correspondence with you.

Odd that I sit here at my keyboard today, searching in vain for words to capture my thoughts and feelings right now. I have a passage over my desk that reads:

"The reason most people write is to reach out and touch a heart, a mind, an imagination. Whether it's a personal letter or poem, a short story or article, or a book, the impulse is the same: to communicate with others. And the reason people write for publication is to extend their reach, so that their writing can touch many minds, hearts and imaginations."...Anonymous

Your letters have told me, for five-and-a-half years, that you feel the same way, because you have reached back to touch my mind, my heart and my imagination.

I will miss you all and wish you well.

Keep in touch,

Beth Bruno

Thank you to administrators and staff at SBC/SNET who invited me to write for www.snet.net and dsl.snet.net. Your support and encouragement have been unwavering; I appreciate that very much.

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Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.