It’s not that long ago I was struggling to write my first column for the paper.
Now, I find myself feeling equally frustrated as I look for the words to write what is my final one.
The last year and a half has been an adventure of the best kind. Each day brought something new. The more I looked the more I found, the more I learned.
There were moments when I wondered what I was doing, particularly in the beginning.
But, luckily for me, I fell in with a group of people who supported me, encouraged me and made me one of their own.
For that, I say thank you. It’s been the best job ever and I am going to miss you all more than you can know.
The big thank you however, goes out to all of you who entrusted me with your stories. Without you, there would be nothing to write.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself revisiting some of my favourites - the list got a little long.
From dancing turkeys to ghost hunters to bird watchers and botanists. The athletes, the crafters, the volunteers and the politicians. The horse people, the artists, the dancers and those who try to make a difference.
I’ve bowled with the White Cane Club while wearing glasses that simulate what it is like to be sight-impaired. Gone cross-country skiing for the first time in 40 years and shared both the bumps and the bliss of the afternoon. My lack of artistic skill has been on display as I tried to paint two ceramic frogs - Frodo and Frieze, I’m sorry.
The creativity of people has astounded me and I’ve laughed and cried as I learned your stories.
There are still so many tales left to tell and I find myself torn as I prepare to walk away. It feels like a job left undone.
The people here in the South Cariboo are an amazing lot and if I had to choose the best place on the planet to live, it would be here.
But life sometimes demands we choose another path and that is where I find myself today.
The South Cariboo is part of me. The people and the place have changed who I am and no matter where life leads me I know home is here, waiting, whenever I feel the need.
Whatever twists and turns are before me are an unknown at this time and while I may not know what my future holds, one thing I know for certain.
This isn’t goodbye - instead, I’ll simply say, “See you later.”