Be good, and goodbye

I’m not sure if there’s something wrong with me, but I have started writing this column twice. Each time I’ve been struck with a lightheaded malaise, all thought dissipating into a blinding whiteness.

I know I’m going to miss this.

I remember my first job many years ago, at a fine taco establishment I shall not name. When I put in my notice after two years, my grouchy boss grumbled, “Well, don’t come crawlin’ back here.”

When I told Patti I was leaving she said, “You’ll just come right back.” And not in a snarky way, but in a wonderful Patti, who always knows exactly what to say, way.

As a nerdy kid who spent much of my time reading and writing alone in my room, becoming a writer was my childhood dream. And because of the people I worked with, alongside and in the community...I know this is going to sound corny, but corn be darned- the reality was better than the dream.

Over the last year, we’ve weathered a few storms. Through shutdowns, a deadly pandemic, deaths, near-deaths, blizzards and a barrage of virtual running events.

One traveled to the other side of the earth. One moved to the other side of the country and back again. It may sound extreme, but I almost have this sense of fleeing my company in wartime. Plumes of gunpowder rising into the ether.

Patti says she eats chaos flakes for breakfast. For me, it was more like being a kid who gets to eat a big piece of birthday cake for breakfast. Every day. It was freedom.

I’m feeling some trepidation about taking a new job. It’s going to be a lot of responsibility in a new role and, as with all things I haven’t yet done, I’m not even sure I can do it. Which is why I have to.

If this sounds terribly sad, let me assure you that it’s not. Thank you to everyone.

And without further ado, cliches or platitudes, I’ll end this by stating what could have been said without writing any of this, but where’s the fun in that?

Goodbye.

Tia Irish learned a lot as staff writer of the Greene County Daily World. She may serve as a correspondent from time to time and will remain with the GCDW in spirit.