Over five years ago, I met him.

On a sunny day he approached me at my Burien Strawberry Festival booth. At first, I did not know him. He asked questions-- lots of questions, about my writing. I politely answered as I kept wondering....who is this guy?

Then, a friend standing near-by greeted the mystery man and woman next to him with, "Hi Jerry and Elsbeth." Elsbeth? Jerry is sure a common name but Elsbeth could only mean one thing; Jerry Robinson was standing before me and, boy, did I want to write for "his" newspaper!

Within a couple of months, I received "the call" and was invited to the newspaper office, which at that time, was on S.W. 153rd St. During our brief visit, Eric Mathison and I chatted about the paper and my writing. I gleefully left with three assignments in hand!

My first interview featured the late Elda Behm and her beautiful Paradise Garden--a prime assignment and a gracious lady. What a grand way to venture into the community newspaper.

Fast forward to another time, to a combined Burien event and Jerry's birthday celebration. Jerry saw me, waiting in line to convey my best wishes.

He suddenly announced to the nearest person, "I discovered her!" I began to believe if there were a Burien Walk of Fame, I would probably have a star on it.

I giggled. I mean it's cute. He flattered me...which is quite a feat because my friends would tell you I am pretty humble.

A writer has a lot to learn and most of it will come from the interviewees. It is not about me. It is about them. As I frequently tell people, I am in my realm.

There are no bright lights, fame and glamour. However, there is something far more mesmerizing. You see, I get to interview and tell the stories of people who have overcome incredible odds, ones who inspire and who are walking in faith, and those who are making a difference in the community.

It is a social worker/writer's dream to combine both talents and worlds.

I have featured unthinkable tragedy involving life, death and disability, to business openings and closings, to the Burien whimsical clock on S.W. 152nd -with special guest Dr. Seuss.

There are so many local heroes. Funny, they don't look like heroes, but just everyday folks.

Some live next door while others live down the street. I personally, have found it is the stories of courage and unbearable tragedy that can provide the greatest challenges for a writer.

It is a genuine gift of sorts, to write about the horror and grief in someone else's life. There is also a tremendous element of trust for a person to invite me into their home and share their deepest heartache.

I cannot count the number of times I have admired a person who sat before me in anguish. I also have marveled at many, and in my quiet time, wondered how I would ever survive a day walking in their shoes.

When I struggle to maintain composure or fight my own tears because the person before me has suffered a tragedy or lost a loved one, I know I still have it.

"It" is that human factor and compassion that bonds us. "It" is that skill that enables me to express the pain and circumstances of others, with grace and dignity.

I recently attended a Burien memorial for a child who died. I may not speak Spanish, however, we all speak the same language when we share a common bond-- even if it happens to be sorrow and love.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am all for being a Journalism professional, however, I am more into being human.

The truth is that we touch lives when we write. Whether readers are in their teens or 80's, they probably have a story.

Someone once asked me how to start writing a book. I looked at her and simply mumbled, "You just start writing..." Budding writers don't have to worry about necessarily getting it "right." That's why we have editors...just joking!

Seriously, there is not one correct way to write. Each writer has his or her own style, so it is important to just get those words out there. A writer's style will subtly emerge, and soon, those words will just flow.

I hope I am encouraging at least one person to be daring and just do it! Think positive and believe there will always be people who will help open doors in our career paths.

It is indeed surprising, who can stroll into our lives, as I have learned.

Whether it was a chance encounter that sunny day at the Strawberry Festival, or it was just meant to be (maybe both!), it was a day worth remembering. I probably will not have a party and toss confetti for my five-year anniversary.

However, I will definitely be thinking of Jerry's cute antics. Once again, it's that time of year! So you just go ahead Jerry Robinson and tell the world you discovered me!

I could not be more honored.