I saw a cardinal at the feeder today, which I thought was a bit ironic after searching the web and learning that they are believed to symbolize new beginnings and transitions. You see, this winged sign appeared at the same time I had decided to transition to retirement.

This journalism career of mine has had many twists and turns, starting with its inauspicious beginnings as an obituary and home news clerk at The Gardner News. When a reporter left, I filled in to cover a meeting and suddenly I was on the road to reporting for the next 30 or so years.

Looking back, there were many memorable moments — stories I was able to break, meetings I will always remember. Yet, through it all, I always jumped at covering historical stories. The exhibits I covered, the stories of the past, sometimes centuries old, I shared in my column, unraveling historical mysteries using the written word.

Then there were those people I interviewed who told the stories of the history that they themselves had lived through. I felt privileged to record their stories firsthand, knowing that they would forever be part of our area’s history.

All those bits of history, firsthand or preserved through the local historical societies, were the stories I really enjoyed telling and the ones that fascinate me to this day. I am thankful for those who shared their stories with me, whether living the history themselves or sharing the history they have been tasked with caring for as a member of a local historical society.

So, heading into retirement, I look forward to what many at my age do, having more time to spend with family, to read and follow other passions — yes, including history.

Although my years as a journalist may be coming to a close, I look forward to the new road ahead, a new road with new adventures, focusing instead on historical research. I look forward to uncovering the past through books, archives and online resources, and fitting the pieces together to share with libraries and historical societies to preserve for others.

And like the cardinal that appeared in the yard today, I head off to this new arena interested to see what comes next and what I might learn.

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Carla Charter is a freelance writer from Phillipston. Her writing focuses on the history of the North Quabbin area. Contact her at cjfreelancewriter@earthlink.net.