Teri’s Notebook: Virginia City’s stories connect visitors to historic town; happy Mother’s Day

I’ve always said the thing I’ve loved most about being a reporter is telling people’s stories. A journalist is a natural voyeur, in a way. I’ve had the opportunity to follow people through their everyday lives, see what lights them up, breaks their heart or drives them to greatness.

It increases my own humanity when I connect with others.

And it has always been my greatest compliment when the subjects of a story I’ve written says it captured their own sense of who they are. Or when someone who reads a story of mine and comes to a greater understanding of that person and, therefore, of themselves.

So when I heard about Virginia City’s new marketing campaign, I was interested.

The Virginia City Tourism Commission put together a series of videos, Below the Surface, featuring the people who live and work in the historic town.

It’s a reminder although the Comstock is a tourist draw, it’s also home to a rich and diverse group of people who all help to make it a place you’d want to visit.

“As adventure-seekers, we have an innate desire to discover, create once-in-a-lifetime experiences and connect with others,” the website reads. “Now, we invite you to go Below the Surface and experience Virginia City, Nevada through our characters, flavors and our craftsmen. See what makes us real and hear real-life stories from the people that call this modern-day Bonanza home.”

Check it out at vcbelowthesurface.com.

•••

For this next bit, I’m a little torn.

My mom and I have an agreement I don’t write about her. Ever. Before I was a professional writer, I was just a big mouth, and even then she objected to me letting everyone in on our family’s business.

For me, it’s all on the record.

But I have tried over the years to honor her wishes, partly because I’m a good daughter and partly because I don’t like to get yelled at.

I’m going to have to make an exception today, however. As you know (or if you’ve forgotten, here’s your reminder), Sunday is Mother’s Day.

It can be a sappy and trite holiday — giving a flower and chocolate to the person responsible for your existence is a bit underwhelming.

But it’s hard to put into words what a mother, what my mom, has done and how significant she is.

My mom, along with my dad, raised four daughters. It was a convent, a cat fight and a sorority house all at the same time. I’m sure it was crazy making.

And she did go crazy sometimes. But she also handled it with grace and love — something she continues to offer us today.

My mom has always been recognized for her beauty, but where she really shines is her innate goodness. While I may have inherited a bit of my dad’s devil-may-care attitude, my mom has always been a right seeker.

She wants to do the right thing and usually does.

We are so lucky to have her as our mom. And, even luckier than we, are her 11 grandchildren — they don’t even believe us when they tell them how much trouble we used to get in. “She doesn’t even yell,” the oldest grandchild once told us.

So to my mom — and to all moms — have a happy Mother’s Day.

Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com.