As I sit on my deck, flowers in full bloom, adoring the sunshine with my cup of coffee, I reminisce on these past 13 years.

It was the day before school was to start. My son, Sam (Sammy) Tatum was going to second grade at Western Salisbury Elementary School. Eric was about to start kindergarten. I had organized a kindergarten "play date" with other incoming students and their moms. We met at Devonshire Park, just blocks from the school. Jim Marsh, drove by and saw the crowd. He informed me a newspaper had started, Salisbury Press, and wanted permission to photograph the group. I believe Eric's photo was in that first edition with many of his friends– and now those students will graduate June 6.

The editor at the time was John Heilig; I called and inquired if I could freelance for Salisbury Press. A news story I penned was in the second edition– and thus began a 13-year journey.

Soon after, Corrine Durdock became the editor of the Salisbury and East Penn Press and I began working for the paper almost on a full-time basis. I was in the halls of Salisbury schools so often many referred to me as honorary staff. I had the distinction of getting to know the administrators, principals and teachers on a personal level, beyond that of a parent of students. (It helped that I was also a coach for the Salisbury Middle School and Salisbury High School swim teams).

Corrine was a wonderful mentor and friend. I relished my time writing for her, taking photographs and editing others' work. It was Corrine who asked me to start the "western" column. I don't even recall how long I have been scrawling this biweekly edition, but today, marks my final one.

As my children will have both graduated, and I leave the halls of Salisbury, it is time to graduate myself too. I am looking forward to a less hectic schedule, as I have been working full time for almost six years at Westfield Hospital.

Through these 13 years, many people have touched my life. I am grateful for this experience and for The Press allowing me the distinct opportunity to meet so many amazing people within our community. I covered St. Thomas More, The Swain School, church events, meetings, Neighbor of the Week, Student of the Week, Eagle Scout accolades, wrote editorials, new stories, sports stories and photographed numerous events.

Recently I received a gracious note from Frank McCullough regarding Eric. Frank and I used to talk on a regular basis about the Parks and Recreation Departments' work.

Through this column, I have had the honor of reconnecting with my high school guidance counselor, a Salisbury resident, Charles Knapp. He volunteered on election day for many years and I always looked forward to seeing him. He too wrote me a lovely note that I will now cherish.

After Sept. 11, 2001, I had the incredibly difficult task to write the Sugra family's story. I am privileged to now call Bill and El friends and I thank them for entrusting me to tell their son, Bill's story with compassion and dignity.

Early in my years with The Press, I heard about Colin Ottinger's battle with cancer. Diagnosed while a student at SMS, I told his story for years and was so pleased when Colin graduated with honors from Ursinus College. Recently, I was able to reunite with his mom, Charlene. Colin and his family have experienced more than most of us can endure, but their family continues to cherish every new day.

Sean Recke was my son, Sam's teacher when his son, Adam was diagnosed with Niemann Pick disease, type C. I have not only volunteered for the Race for Adam but have covered the eight years of their 5K Run/Walk for a Cure. Getting to know the Recke family and all the tremendous volunteers, outside of the classroom, especially Matt Tobias, Kelly Wetherhold and Susan Quigg, has been my distinct privilege. My thoughts and prayers will remain with Adam's family as they persevere.

There have been too many tragedies in our community, but there have also been tremendous successes, monumental achievements and fond memories. It is those stories and moments that will remain with me. I can only hope I have covered your stories with factual information and professional grace.

Much has happened in my personal life these 13 years, as I am sure, it has in yours. I wish to thank you for your loyal readership and your incredible support of my children, including many teachers and staff, School Board President Russ Giordano and most importantly our second family– the Salisbury swimming team.

Sam is now entering his senior year at Widener University. He will graduate next year with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a minor in business. Sam is president of his chemistry fraternity; his next goal is to attend graduate school to earn a master's in business administration.

Eric leaves in just days to start his Plebe year at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He will swim on the Army team and major in mechanical engineering.

It has been a long voyage– thank you for allowing me into your lives, letting me share my family's adventures and capture your accomplishments.

As I have concluded so many columns with a quote, I believe this time I will be less ceremonious and just end ... Until we meet again.

Editor's Note: We thank Diane for her many years of covering the Salisbury community and wish her the best in her future endeavors.