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Everyone inside The Times office was busy with their normal activities, and as I sat at my desk for one last time, I couldn't help but reflect on the past 13 years.
Deciding to leave was hard. It's my home away from home, and these folks are my second family. They've suffered through three pregnancies with me - hormones and mood swings, the mornings after a late night and the days I've missed my babies. It's a hard bond to break. You know the time is right but despite all your logic, the lyrics of an old country song still ring true, amp"it's never easy letting go.amp"
As my last day unfolds, I can't find the strength to say goodbye.
Instead I will leave them and you with my memories.
Going to work at The Times was an easy decision. I found out about a need for a proofreader. I was a junior in high school driving the ugliest car among any of my peers. It was a blue Pontiac Bonneville with a vinyl top that was tearing down the center. The trunk was terribly faded due to a botched wax job. The passenger side of the front bench seat didn't lock causing it to rock back and forth. The air conditioning didn't work and unfortunately for my backseat friends the rear windows didn't roll down. So needless to say, I was excited at the chance to make some money with the hopes of getting a "new" car before graduation.
I fell in love with The Times and knew this was where I belonged.
Soon I was offered my first writing job - covering the county school board meeting. It was like throwing a lamb to the wolves. And the rest as they say is history. I did more writing, then some ad design work and page layout and eventually was offered the editor's job. I was given an opportunity to do it all and for that I will always be grateful.
And throughout those years I really got to know the people here. So many have come and gone and only one from the very beginning still remains. Sandra.
I can remember a time when Sandra and I went to a MPA convention and roomed together. I really got to know her that weekend and realized she wasn't as reserved and quiet as she seemed. She knew how to have fun too, and at midnight when we got hungry, she was up and ready to go across the street with me to Shoney's. There sat two people an ocean apart in age with seemingly nothing in common, enjoying a late night snack. So to Sandra, thanks for never letting me forget that I got lost in Mantachie one time and had to call you to help me find my way out. And thanks for taking vacation on weeks we have 15 legals to do. Thanks for coming to see me in the hospital when I had Paden even though you had just broken your leg and had to be brought in your wheelchair. Thanks for sharing your life with me and being part of mine; thanks for being my friend.
At some point early on in my years Gaynell came along. She was a transplant from Sprint Print, but we accepted her just the same. I remembered her from school of course but then again everyone remembers Gaynell. Around here, she's the one that if you don't know something about someone, "Ask Gaynell." She's been around so long she almost knows it all. So to Gaynell, thanks for being so annoyingly cheery in the morning and popping into my office first thing to tell me something even before I've had my coffee. And thanks for forcing me to help you clean out the back and spend a few hours with termites and spiders. But most of all thanks for always being supportive; you're the best cheerleader a person could ever have. And thanks for loving me and caring for me in a way no boss could ever expect from an employee and always wish for from a friend.
After going through several staff writers we finally landed one who found The Times to be his home. Adam. Adam is carefree and witty and lightens the mood around the office. His frequent arguments across the building with Gaynell provide regular entertainment for the staff and helps distract him from the actual task at hand - writing. So Adam, thanks for telling people that I sit in my office and don't work when they ask you what I'm up to these days. Thanks for writing those really long columns that your fans just adore and I have to proofread. Thanks for always saying such thoughtful prayers before all our meals together. Thanks for making me laugh on the most stressful of days.
Lee came along at a time when he was needed most. We unexpectedly lost our sports writer. Lee had been writing stories for us as a stringer and was more than willing to help us out and take over sports. Since Lee is in and out so much, he and I have spent less time together but I will say this. Thanks Lee for never taking your vacation at a time when I'd be forced to cover sports for you. And thanks for teaching me about the playoff levels in high school football. Most of all, thanks for all your hard work this year and your passion for your job. You've made me so proud.
And last, Shelley, our sales rep. Shelley is the one we never want to call while on vacation because she will worry about it the rest of the time. She's soft-spoken and kind, but she's finally learned to put it back to Gaynell and Adam when they try to run her over. So Shelley, thanks for being so thorough in your job that you call me after hours because you forgot to tell me something that you didn't think could wait till morning. Thanks for being a team player and helping with things even when they're weren't your job. Thanks for being the type person to stop what you're doing just to ask me how the kids were when you knew they had been sick. Thank you for your kindness and your friendship.
Despite our differences and our quirks, we have all managed to accept one another as we are and make this family work. Many things have changed over these 13 years but so much of what mattered has stayed the same. I doubt there will ever be any others like you.
My last day is coming to a close and I feel the tears swelling up in my eyes. As the clock rolls to 5:00 I know for my last time I will see each of you walk out the door and say to you, amp"Bye Lee. Bye Jo. Bye Allen. Bye Shelby. Bye Gnell.amp"
I love you all.
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