“All changes are more or less tinged with melancholy, for what we are leaving behind is part of ourselves.” —Amelia Barr, American novelist
I hate goodbyes. Always have. When I was a kid, my family took vacations each summer, sometimes for an entire month, and I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Fun, right? But then, after a few days or maybe a week, we would move on to a new spot, and all of the new friendships I had developed—and sometimes more than friendships, wink, wink—would quickly dissolve into vague, fleeting memories. This happened over and over and over again, and it never got easier.
Now I’m grown up (sort of), and goodbyes still stink. Seriously. And saying goodbye to the Mirror News, and all of the people I’ve been fortunate to meet through the newspaper, may be the toughest goodbyes of all. You see, when I began my position as editor, I felt that I was reasonably qualified and that my experience could maybe bring a little something different to the paper, something fresh and original and, hopefully, dynamic. I had done a few things I was proud of regarding print publishing and felt that I may be able to teach other people some of the things I’ve learned.
The reality is that I had never had an experience quite like the Mirror News before—an experience that included being part of an extremely talented and creative team—and I truly believe that I was the one who learned the most.
Ironic.
I owe so many people so much for all of the support and encouragement, but there are far too many of you to thank here. Readers don’t wish to read a long list of names, and I know that a simple “thank you” cannot possibly express the very real gratitude that I feel. I’ll figure something out.
That said…there are two people who I would very much like to address here. First, I have never in my life met anyone like Cassandra Fluker, my advisor at the Mirror News. Ms. Fluker is the ultimate professional, and someone who consistently does the right thing, in the right manner. She is a positive and steady presence everywhere she goes, and someone who has helped more than she will ever realize. Thank you, Cassandra. I’m proud that we are friends.
I also wish to acknowledge Samantha Cripe, the new editor-in-chief of the Mirror News. When Sam and I met in a class last year, we had no way of knowing that we would eventually work together, let alone how productive and educational that working relationship would be. Sam was offered the job and, as is her way, she carefully considered the pros and cons, and then took the position and immediately owned it, as is also her way. I’ve worked with many people in my life (yeah, I’m still old), and to include Sam among my all-time favorite co-workers is a no-brainer. Thanks for everything, Sam.
So that’s it. Thank you, readers, for…well, reading, and for giving us a reason to do our thing each issue. I’ve had far more fun than I probably deserve, and the only part of the job I absolutely despise comes right now.
Goodbye.
Dennis