Being the H&R Special Projects Editor means I work on some 40 to 50 publications (including six Limited Editions) a year. One of my favorite projects, in spite of it being one of my biggest, is heading-up a team for our yearly Outlook section. Outlook, for those of you who aren't familiar with it, is four sections of stories highlighting all of the great people and places throughout the Herald & Review's circulation area.

Over the years, I've met, whether via an interview or photo assignment, a countless number of fascinating people in Central Illinois. When doing a feature story, I always conclude my interview by asking the person if there's anything they want to make sure and have told. It is, after all, in my opinion, their story, so it's my obligation to give them proper representation.

Several years ago, I did an Outlook feature about Randy Eller, a professional, full-time, off-road truck racer from Taylorville. (Think of motocross racing in a truck, and you get the idea.) As usual, I ended my interview by asking Randy if there was anything he wanted me to be sure to include in my story.

Randy's response caught me off guard. More often than not, people will tell a tidbit about themselves.

Not Randy.

He was more concerned that I give credit to the person who had helped him get started professionally 20-plus years ago. As Randy said, "Sometimes, people don't realize the impact they've had on someone's life."

It got me to thinking about the opportunities I've missed when I could have thanked someone for the impact they've had in my life - there have been many over the years. I also decided that I would never let such opportunities ever slip through my fingers again. It's become a priority of mine to always pass along a sincere thanks in recognition of kind and meaningful gestures.

Here are the people in my life who have made an impact in my life:

Lynn and Elisabeth Pansch, my parents, and for obvious reasons. In one of the greatest ironies of my life, my mother died less than a week before my first issue as Editor of Limited arrived. On my birthday in May 2004, under a blackened sky with the Heaven's opened wide and screaming, I laid my mother to rest with a magazine which she would have embraced.

Rob Rasor, for hiring an inexperienced pup for the job of a lifetime at the American Motorcyclist Association. It didn't last a lifetime, but for a few short, wonderful years, I got to play in the major leagues.

Scott Whitmer for teaching me what customer service and sales are really all about.

Gary Walters, for seeing something in me, and having the confidence that I could successfully do a job at which I had no prior experience. He also proved that work can be fun, and that a person CAN be your boss as well as a good friend.

Don Whitacre, a good, and trusting, friend for many years.

Jo Caulkins, who years ago make her old downtown shop, Just A Couple Of Cards, a fun destination for a certain little girl. It make a lasting impression that'll last a lifetime.

Gary Sawyer and Linda Lindus for turning me loose on Limited on a cold January morning in 2004.

Kelly J. Huff, for teaching me how to be a real photographer.

Leslie Smith, who helped me develop Limited into the award-winning publication it has become.

Larry Clark, for giving me the gift that has breathed new life into me.

Linda Clark, for sharing Larry's time with me.

David Morrow and Greg Bickers, for restoring my faith that there are people who possess basic, common courtesy skills; who know how to say a simple and sincere "thank you."

Jon Grubb, for working me into the setlist anytime I ask.

Larry Clark, Phil Hazenfield, Jon Grubb, David Morrow, Cayla Hittmeier, Doug Nicholson, Marvin Knox, Steve Jackson, Chris Eckles, Denny Brue and Shelley Simon, for welcoming me into their family.

Jill Koehl, my current partner-in-crime on Limited; an immense talent and an absolute pleasure to work with.

The Folk Group at Our Lady Of Lourdes, for welcoming me into their ensemble.

Chris Eckels for selflessly giving-up playing time to allow me a moment on stage. (Maybe now is the time to let Chris know that I'll cover his bar tab while I'm playing. That should get me a lot more playing time!)

Dave Dawson for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Stefanie, my daughter, who's made such an impact on my life, and taught me what it is to be a truly kind soul.

Mary, my wife of more than 22 years: the love of my life; the girl of my dreams; and a great friend, who's touched my heart in so many ways.

Thank you, all!