Tom Rupp commentary: It was 20 years ago

A lot can happen in 20 years. More than a thousand columns, for instance. That's right, this week marks the 20-year milestone for me at The Telegraph, and I like milestones. It started as the weekly minister's column. Over the years, it has morphed into what it is today, sometimes religious, sometimes political, almost always random musings and inane ramblings. Speaking of morph, as Morpheus (pun intended) in Matrix Reloaded stated: "Some things never change and some things do." Over these two decades, that about sums it up. For better or worse, here's my method: Every Sunday night, I sit down before a blank screen and begin, finishing in about an hour. It has been described as BIC HOK TAM - butt in chair, hands on keyboard, typing away madly. The process is not glamorous or deep and often leads to, as painter Bob Ross calls them, "happy accidents." But hey, there's always another week, another column. And, as I once read, "Done is better than perfect." I can't get too cocky, though, as sports editor Matt Long's longevity has me beat by years. Sometimes after looking over what I have written, Truman Capote's words concerning Jack Kerouac come to mind: "That's not writing, that's typing." After two decades, the suggestion to plan in decades, think in years, work in months and live in days makes more sense. And so another week has arrived, as Frank McCourt encouraged, to "sing your song, dance your dance, tell your tale." These are my words, my opinions and observations, from where I sit. Every once in a while, these columns touch a nerve, for good or for ill. And every once in a while, a reader emails me to let me know. This is a good thing, either way. Prolific author Stephen King declared, "Life is short and in the end none of us is prolific." Joyce Carol Oates said, "I have more stories to tell." And I hope I have more columns to write. It is such a blessing to be alive, healthy, free and forgiven. These years have been a blessing and I'm thankful for this opportunity and grateful for you who read and sometimes respond to the column. How much longer will I go on? Lord willing, for a little while more. It depends on physical and mental health, and the opportunity from The Telegraph. I've already got another idea for next week's word. Tom Rupp is a Folsom resident and weekly Telegraph columnist. You can reach him at truppfolsom@yahoo.com.