Last week I got to help one of my employees celebrate a pretty big milestone. Reporter Ed Moreth turned 70. Friends and family gathered to celebrate Ed. It was a fun evening.

Ed is a fantastic reporter. He isn't afraid to go up to anyone at an event or a meeting and ask them any sort of question. He jokes about slowing down, and then will submit seven stories the next week. He does a great job of covering the Plains area and beyond. People respect him and will often call him with story ideas. He's a great photographer, as evidenced in his photo page of the National Bison Range this week.

Ed is also really funny. Some of his jokes may be a stretch for a giggle, but he always has a smile on his face and is positive, even if he gets frustrated.

This is the season of celebration, it seems, as we also are celebrating the Class of 2023 this month with graduation ceremonies across the county. Our annual special section highlighting the graduates was included in last week's Ledger. It's always enjoyable to read the future plans of all the students. It's also fun to look back at previous years and see what kids said their future plans were versus what they ended up doing. Plans change, and that's OK.

Maybe that's the lesson for the Class of 2023. You may have the perfect plan laid out for your future, but life will throw you curveballs. As Noxon teacher Shannon Mercer told the graduates on Sunday, adulting is hard. Learn to adapt to the twists and turns of the road of life and you'll find opportunities where you least expect them.

Whether you are hitting a milestone birthday or have a senior graduating this week or are on this Memorial Day weekend honoring the service men and women who have passed, find time for a little celebration this week.

­- Annie Wooden