Life is full of surprises.

And they come at the darndest times.

After 20 years at The Pocahontas Times, I’ll be leaving at the end of this week.

It’s been an adventure, to say the least.

From my internship here for six weeks to a part-time job, to becoming a full-time reporter, on to managing editor, and the final stop as editor, I’ve learned so much about so many things.

Sometimes I was astonished I got paid to have so much fun in a job. Sometimes the job was harder than I could imagine. Whether you know it or not, or believe it or not, stories that caused you grief, grieved me also; stories that made you rejoice, gave me joy, as well. Pocahontas County is my home. My hope is always that things here go well, that our people progress, that we can resolve our conflicts.

For those of you who counseled me, whose advice I sought—and some I didn’t—for those of you who took the time to let us know you appreciate the work we’ve done at The Pocahontas Times, for those of you who challenged me to do better and to be better, I am truly grateful.

I leave the newspaper in good hands, with Mountain Media owner Mike Showell. He’s building something pretty amazing, with four West Virginia newspapers now in his experienced hands.

So for the final time, here’s what I think: Be kinder to each other. Don’t allow people who are so full of self-loathing that they cannot love their neighbors have influence on how you feel about your neighbors. Everyone who lives here has some good in them, but as human beings, they also have their shortcomings. Don’t focus on the shortcomings of others, focus on the good and the good work that can be accomplished. It is so easy to destroy; it is much harder to build.

Remember – what we see in others more often than not exists in ourselves. And remember it when you find yourself listening to the diatribes of some people who think they have the right to interfere in everyone else’s life regardless of truth and regardless of potential damage.

Farewell.