Looking back at the best of 10 years: Andy Blitzer

Veteran Buzz writer Andy Blitzer had lots of choices when picking memorable stories from the past 10 years.  Here are a few she says she will never forget:

"It is so hard to say which one is my favorite. As a writer, there is a huge sense of responsibility to each person who shares his or her personal story and gives me the opportunity to share that information with our readers. It is a privilege not taken lightly. Through interviewing so many smart, inspirational and often funny people, I could probably list several dozens as my favorite. Knowing I cannot do that, here are just a few that really stand out for me.

A Perfect Ten (January 2010): After writing this story about how Cathy and Joe Garcia-Prats raised 10 sons to become responsible, independent and caring men, I take strength from her ideas when I am sometimes at my wits end with raising my two own children;

Neighborhood Diplomats (January 2008) reinforced how cosmopolitan Houston really is and the need for us to embrace the richness of all the cultures around us;

Passwords, PIN Numbers and Wishes (November 2007) still reminds me how fleeting life is;

The Gift of Life (February 2007)  is a story of how some of our residents have not given another gift greater than donating bone marrow -- and some residents, the recipients of donations, will always be in debt to their donor."