I attended ad coordinator Jeanne Helstrom's retirement celebration in the CDA office today. Jeanne has had a host of titles since she joined the SR a few days after I did in the fall 1984 -- the last two being administrative assistant and ad coordinator. Six of us have worked together in the office for about 23 years: Jeanne, Donna Kelly and Bob Myklebust from advertising, Mike Mahon from circulation, and Greg Lee and Yours Truly from editorial. Mike has been in the CDA bureau the longest, followed by Greg and then me. There have been little to no harsh words among us -- and a lot of shared history. We've watched one another's families grow, marry, and suffer hardship. We've watched one another bury parents. We've probably spent more time together and had deeper conversations than many families have. Jeanne will be gone from the office when I return from vacation Jan. 2. Donna will follow fairly soon on her heels. I'll miss them. And cherish the memories of our time together. Now, for your 9th of 13 Vacation Wild Cards ...

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