Can you believe it? It's been more than a year since I wrote my first column in December 2004. As I reminisce about how time flies, it gives me the opportunity to thank all of you for your wonderful, sincere responses throughout the past year. I really enjoyed all the comments from people I know and those whom I have never meet who have filled my heart with joy. From the grocery store cashiers where I shop to the nice clerk at the tax collector's office — good thing my taxes are paid — they all question me about my next column. Each of my columns is taken from my own experiences, like my first column about a scene I saw out my window at work that reminded me of my late mother and shopping carts. I'd like to share some of these comments. "I loved your story. You write so universally so everyone can identify with what you are saying " — W.W. San Diego, CA.

The column about shopping for a new mattress prompted e-mail from a magazine editor in North Carolina who circulates a free journal to more than 24,000 mattress and furniture retailers. She asked me to expand my experience for Sleep Savvy magazine, which I did. My story included a photo of my husband and me sitting on our new bed and a sidebar titled, "Marva's Advice." It was all very exciting.

A conversation about playing horseshoes inspired me to write about my father and the horseshoe games he played at Seaside Park. It sparked some fond family memories for one reader, too. "I wanted to let you

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know how touched I was by your column. It reminded me of my own dad who passed on. [He] would play "bus ride" in our dining room with me and my brother years ago in New Haven. Keep up your wonderful writings and God bless you." — C.J.S., Monroe

One store cashier mentioned how the cell phone column made her think of a time she was in her car driving and someone crashed into her because that driver was talking on a cell phone.

She was glad a law was finally passed against hand-held cell phones. I think it's nice sharing what happens in our lives, whether the situations are good or bad. It helps others to reflect on their own experiences even if they may be completely different from mine. Life should always be treasured because it is a gift from our creator.

It's nice to remember the happy times, and sometimes even the sad ones, because we can find some reason to smile or even laugh about it years later.

Marva Hamilton is the librarian at the Connecticut Post and writes on the first Tuesday of the month. She can be reached at mhamilton@ctpost.com.