By far, this has to be one of the toughest columns I have ever sat down to write. Since, this time it’s not about politics, it’s not about a state championship win, a weather-related event or any of the other stories I have covered during my past three years in this community. Instead, it’s about my future and me. In truth, this is my farewell. It is the last column I will be writing to address a place that has shaped my life and helped build my future both personally and professionally.

I knew when I started at the Leeds News and St. Clair News-Aegis that this day would someday come, but I couldn’t imagine it would be so difficult.

I cannot even begin to name those of you who have taken me in and allowed me to become part of your family. I’ll never forget each smile, each handshake, each hug and hello.

As life is known to work in mysterious ways, so has it taken me in a new direction. My husband, Shawn, and I have decided to move to North Alabama to a place where new career opportunities await both of us and family resides. I have decided to take a position at the Athens News Courier, a sister paper.

I admit it is in a place that allows me to be surrounded by family and friends. Yet, I feel that by leaving this place I also leave good family and friends behind.

I will never forget when Robert Blankenship gave me, a 26-year-old who was only two years out of college, a chance at a dream of being an actual writer. A dream I had as a young child. I was given a chance to be published weekly instead of trade magazines and newsletters. To that I owe a million thanks.

I will never forget my close-knit co-workers who have made me laugh, listened to me cry and supported me along the way.

I will never forget the amazing people I have met, the stories I have had the chance to tell and the true friendship I have encountered.

One of my many favorite memories of this place includes getting to witness the outpouring of humanity when a tornado tore through the city of Leeds. You came out in droves with compassion and love for one another.

Another, is being an eyewitness to two state championship wins. You celebrated and cried. So did I.

I’ll never forget people like Beulah Glasgow who made me sweets to show how much she appreciated me. Although I was supposed to be on a diet, I had to have a piece or two. I’ll never forget you and your true southern hospitality. You’ll never know how much it meant to me.

So holds true to a number of ladies at Moody City Hall who took time out of their busy schedules to plan and hold a wedding shower for me. Or the two beautiful ladies at 2 Chicks who made sure my wedding was all I wanted it to be. Not to mention the other milestones they celebrated with me. I know it wasn’t because you felt you had to, but because we had truly become great friends. You ladies are the epitome of what friendship absolutely is and you helped teach me what life is all about. I love each one of you.

The memories also include the gentle nature of those of you who have offered a hand, opened your hearts and accepted a gal just like one of your own.

It’s the ballparks, the racetrack, the new schools, the long meetings and the opportunity to watch the surrounding cities grow and continue to catch the eyes of people all over the world.

To me, it has always been about the people this place has to offer and the many neighbors I have had the honor of getting to know.

I have so many people to thank for their support and it would be impossible to include all of them at this time. I believe you know who you are and believe me; you always stay close to my heart.

I have truly enjoyed my time here and I appreciate every ounce of support I have received.

So, I’m not going to say goodbye. Instead, I’ll say until we meet again.

Thanks so much for everything!