It's Bill, 5/11/25: 25 Years

Desmond Haskell
6 days ago
2 min read

The Anniversary That Snuck Up

Just like birthdays, anniversaries sneak up on you. Sure, you know in the back of your head time is passing and that a significant date is coming. But I don’t keep track. Folks ask me “When did you build that?” Or, when did you do this or do that? I just answer the question, not giving much perspective. Recently, I realized this was 2025 and I bought West Quoddy Station in 2000.There it is. 25 years. 25th anniversary this May 12.

Marking the Milestone

Well, I guess I should say something about my 25 years at West Quoddy Station. Collect my thoughts. Acknowledge the passage of time. Review. See where I was, where I am, and, maybe, where I am going. I do not think this is easy.

From Derelict to Destination

Certainly, necessary change has occurred here on West Quoddy Head. Change is a constant in our lives. West Quoddy Station has gone from 3 derelict, uninhabitable buildings to 11 buildings [plus 3 auxiliary buildings] with 15 lodging residences. There are the numbers, that’s easy. It is now a business with a fine reputation. And more. Recording physical growth is relatively easy.

To consider personal growth is more difficult.

The Lessons of Time

The question is not how I have aged since May 2000 at the age of 56. The question is how have I changed. I have become more patient with my friends, my guests, with strangers. I have become more patient with myself. I have learned to listen closer, to understand, to accept. To know what I can change and what is not to be changed by me or others. I have learned patience.

What I’ve Come to Value

I have come to value friends. And strangers. It is a privilege to understand and listen and to be able to have a good conversation. To hear and give balanced, considerate thoughts. To know my values and the values of others. To be myself and to have a friend.

Redefining the Road Ahead

As inevitable time progresses, my goals and values have changed. And will change again. I enjoy pursuing unreachable goals. I redefine my goals and adapt to a reality a bit beyond me. I will always keep changing. I need to have a reason to get up in the morning and do my best in the day’s reality.

I have learned to love life. I have learned to be myself.