NORTON

When we nd ourselves reminiscing, we sometimes drift o into the daydreams of happy times and incredible memories. at day we rst held hands, that rst kiss, our rst football championship, our rst beer together, and so many other rsts. Or we go down memory lane, reminded not just of our “ rsts” in life, but of many years of shared hardships, hurts, disappointments, wins and celebrations. Reminiscing brings back joyful moments of those we have lived our lives with and through, and just how special each moment was to us during those seasons of life. Do you have any of those memories? I sure do.

While reminiscing brings fond memories of years gone by, we sometimes visit that other side of our memories as we lament the missed opportunities in life, lost chances of love, and the mistakes we may have made along the way. We don’t often hear the word “lament” anymore. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary de nes “lament” as, to express sorrow, mourning, or regret often demonstratively, or, to regret strongly, or, to cry out in grief.

ose are some very strong words that should emote some very deep feelings.

When given the choice, most of us would probably prefer to reminisce about the good old days, right? We can laugh with one another, embrace one another, and choose to only remember the best times of our lives. ere is nothing wrong with that and as a matter of fact I highly recommend it. ere is no greater cure for the blues than spending time with a family member or friend stirring up our greatest and most memorable escapades of our past.

ment, said, “Cheryl Wink, you should be here in the chamber.”

Wink, who attended the meeting virtually, addressed the comment and said, “I happened to undergo major surgery three days ago. Please try, if you can, to be respectful.

“In 2017, citizens were pleased to vote for me in large part due to my extensive accomplishments in higher education and in my career in software architecture and data science,” she continued. “Most individuals understand that that type of education and training correlates highly with someone whose career is highly demanding, as is rewarding.

“It’s unrealistic of you and your small group of colleagues to push a recall to continually verbally abuse me, a citizen with an extraordinary and accomplished career … merely because that career oftentimes requires out of town travel,” Wink said.

Regarding Wink’s attendance last summer, she said her father was e daughter who lost her mom before her wedding day laments that she couldn’t experience that special occasion with her mom. e same daughter reminisces each holiday about how special her mom made each and every holiday, bringing both tears of sorrow and tears of joy to her face. Do you see how they can both exist in the same moment? close to death for three months and passed away in July.

Yet there is also something to be said of lamenting our past, our sorrows, our griefs, and the challenges we have faced in all our years here on earth. e struggles have been real, the hurts have been devastating, the challenges have brought us to tears, and the disappointments many and plentiful. Why would I say that there is something to be said about lamenting our past? Because sometimes even the pain brings back memories of something once cherished. Because sometimes it’s healthy to lament, and feel the pain so that we can maybe nally let it go. And sometimes, it’s OK to never let go of something or someone we cherished so deeply, that is now lost, because it keeps us connected forever.

How about you? Do you love and appreciate the moments where you get to reminisce about the best, happiest, and craziest times of life with your family and friends? Do you also lament those moments in life where you wish things could’ve been di erent? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail. com, and when we can remember all of the sweet, bitter and bittersweet moments of life that shape who we are, it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Wink was not present for ve of the seven regular city council meetings that occurred between May 2022 and July 2022. She attended two meetings virtually.

“I traveled home to Illinois to be with my family as much as I could during that time frame,” Wink said. “Yet, again, you abuse me for not showing up to council meetings the entire time. Shame on you for treating me in this hateful manner. I am a human being.”

The recall process

On May 8, Englewood City Clerk Stephanie Carlile said via email that the four recall petitions have been authorized for circulation, meaning the residents can circulate the petitions for 60 days to get signatures.

Each petition may be circulated and signed by registered Englewood voters “who would be entitled to vote for the successor of the incumbent sought to be recalled,” according to the Englewood Home Rule Charter. e number of signatures must equal at least 25% of the voters who voted in the last general election for that o ce. e required signatures needed to proceed with the recall process are: 458 signatures for Sierra, 342 signatures for Nunnenkamp, 583 signatures for Anderson and 1,426 signatures for Wink.

Sierra represents District 1 of Englewood, Nunnenkamp represents District 2, Anderson represents District 3 and Wink represents the city at-large.

Carlile said the deadline to le the petitions is on or before ursday, July 6.

“If the petitions are timely led and deemed su cient, council will set an election date not less than 60 days nor more than 120 days from the ling of the petitions,” Carlile wrote.