When one chapter closes, another one opens.
That’s the way it is in life. Nothing is ever really forgotten, but we move onto other challenges that take us in different directions than we had originally intended.
That being said, this is my goodbye column. Aug. 31 was my official last day, and by the time you read this, I will be starting my first day at a newspaper back in Sudbury, Ont. That’s the city from which I came to Barrhead, and now I’m going back.
It was not a decision at which I arrived lightly. There are a great many people in this community who have tried to convince me to stay, and the thought honestly crossed my mind a few times. This is where I bought my first home, which is surrounded by fantastic neighbours. Karla and Steve, with Larissa and Locke, to one side, and Lois on the other. Fantastic people.
There are so many people I would like to point out, but space is limited. To both the town and county councils, it was great being able to work with people who care about their communities. Mayor Brian Schulz will now have to find out on his own what’s on the front page of the paper. To the Pembina Hills Regional Division No. 7 board of trustees, I thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the same table with you. Education in rural Alberta is going through some tough times, and there are difficult decisions to be made, and I know you will make them to the best of your abilities.
Sgt. Bob Dodds of the Barrhead detachment of the RCMP has been a great resource, and I will fondly remember our chats in his office.
Chamber president Elize Zuk is perhaps the first real contact I made here in Barrhead. Elize is a lady with a lot of passion, and she has the energy to match. I know she is in the final term of her presidency, and whoever steps up to take over the reins will have some tough shoes to fill. Again, I really enjoyed our chats together.
To the staff here at the Leader, I will miss each and every one of you. Carol Farnalls put her trust in me to take on the editor’s position, and I thank her for that. Marion, Lynda, Kyla, Amy, Joyce and Scott – thanks for making my time here that much more enjoyable.
I have left out many people about whom I would like to write, and for that I apologize. Just know that each of you helped to make my stay in Alberta easier. You all made my job easy, and it was much appreciated.
The most regrettable part of heading back to Ontario is leaving my parents and my older sister, who have been living in Red Deer for about six years. The major influence in my decision to move to Alberta was so that I could be closer to them. Now, I will likely be going back to seeing them once or twice a year. That’s what weighs the heaviest on my heart.
Ciao, Barrhead. It has been a great experience, and it has helped me grow as an individual and as an editor. Thanks.
