By the time you're reading this, I'll be 3,500 kilometres away, settling in back home.
I've accepted another reporter position in my hometown of Napanee, Ont. Of course, the decision wasn't an easy one, as my past year living in Bonnyville and working for the Nouvelle has been quite memorable so far. But, since I couldn't convince my family to move here, we've decided to head back east to be closer to our families.
I'm certainly going to miss the entertaining council meetings, both with the Town and the MD of Bonnyville, debating sewage lines, housing shortages, ethics versus the economy in oil pipelines, the heated debates for clean water in Bonnyville and, of course, Mayor Ernie Isley and Mayor Craig Copeland's disagreements while Reeve Ed Rondeau attempts to remain neutral between the two.
What I'll miss even more, are the hugs from strangers who thank me for an emotional or personal piece of writing I did that really hit home for that person. I'm also going to miss the thank you cards and phone calls from so many encouraging people who have supported me in my writing and given me the confidence to push forward in my career.
There have been so many of you always willing to lend a hand, like Coun. John Irwin, who drove me to Imperial Oil in Cold Lake for a tour when not one, but both of my vehicles broke down. He put up with my jibber jabbering the whole day and even ate dinner with me at another event (he also drove me to) later that evening.
There were so many others, giving friendly hellos and goodbyes everyday, keeping our homesickness at bay and making Bonnyville feel that much more like a warm home – despite your unbelievably cold, snowy weather.
In leaving Bonnyville, my goodbyes have been two-fold: saying goodbye to those I know professionally through working at the Nouvelle, but also to those I know through volunteering as a Dove Centre director – neither of which have been easier than the other.
There are far too many great people I've met at the Dove to name, but there are a couple of people that if you haven't met, you should make it your goal to because they have always been my go-to people for a smile on a lousy day.
Steven Embree: everybody knows Steven, I'm sure. He participates in Dove programs and has an infectious smile. When I first moved to Bonnyville, I met Steven at the C2 while I was covering an event.
He asked me, “Do you have a lot of friends?” When I told him no, I had just moved here and didn't know anyone, he said, “Well you will always have a friend in me!” and put his arm around me and stayed with me while I took pictures and had my lunch. Ever since then, he's always given me a hug and warm compliments and reassuring comments that brighten my day.
Ian Campbell, our Dove director's president: though our friendship normally consisted of a playful shove and teasing, in all honesty, I don't think anyone could ever be mad at this man. He has such passion, patience and positivity toward the Dove Centre and mental health in general, which in turn, makes all those around him mirror those attributes.
Then of course there are my friends at the Nouvelle, some of which I'm sure I'll have for years and years to come. The Nouvelle and the people I have met while employed here have helped to shape me into a more focused, driven and passionate reporter than I thought possible.
If it wasn't for Brandon's long debates on journalistic ethics and morals or Clare's tactful editing and reassurance on a tough writing assignment, I'm not sure I would have made it through my first week. I take away advice and lessons from each of you that will improve my writing significantly in my future and I thank you both for your patience with me.
Bonnyville, I thank you for a wonderful chapter not only in my journalistic career but also in my personal life.
Adios!
