First published through The Paris News on Sept. 17, 2018. The article can be found on their website at http://theparisnews.com/opinion/article_ecf87e0c-ba95-11e8-a2cc-77e39e16fa41.html and was backdated.

Finales can be difficult, especially when it’s “Friends,” and the group is looking into an empty New York City apartment, cherishing their last moments together before making a big move.

It’s been a good ride these last 719 days — seems shorter than just about two years. I’ve been told by quite a few people who have been in the journalism business they don’t work with others for very long because they’ll move on to another position in the field, and that’s what I’m doing — I’m moving on to another position.

I’ve met quite a few people in the past two years while working with the paper. Some good and others bad, but you have that anywhere you go. I also know I’ve upset quite a few people, but I’ve also made some people’s day just by calling and interviewing them.

I had one lady tell me I made her feel famous just by interviewing her, and the excitement in her voice made me smile, made me feel like I was doing something meaningful.

The first story I worked when I started with the paper was a traffic accident involving a tractor-trailer, and the guy driving the truck was real shaken up. Never being involved in an accident myself, I didn’t fully understand how he felt.

Stirred with emotions, the driver of the truck said he came around the curve near the intersection of Loop 286 SE and Clarksville Street, an area highly prone to traffic accidents, said his truck “just tipped over.”

This was when I learned I was in the right field.

Growing up, I had always wanted to work in journalism because I enjoyed the idea of writing down history, telling people what is going on in their community and helping tell stories.

Journalism is about ensuring politicians are following the law, it’s about helping nonprofit organizations raise well-needed funds for programs crucial to our community, and it’s also about helping regular, everyday people tell their stories. Everyone has a story to tell, we’re here to help them share.

One of the most memorable stories I’ve worked on was about Magalle “Maggie” Valentin.

While talking with several employees with the sheriff’s office about Maggie, I could feel the compassion coming from each person. They all spoke highly about Maggie.

Listening to memories they had of her, tears cultivated in my eyes because of the emotions they had for Maggie.

Jeff Raney with Lamar County Sheriff’s Office said “she’s family.”

“She has a heart of gold, would do anything for you, and she loved her two boys,” Raney said. “They were the world to her. The world revolved around her two boys.”

Memories I have made with this job will stay with me for years to come.

This isn’t goodbye. This is see you later.

All of the people I’ve met and have become well acquainted with, are the same ones I’m sure to see around town buying their grandchildren Christmas presents — it’s coming up pretty quick. They are also the same people I’ll continue to do business with.

When we make a choice, such as moving on, our choices can open many doors — cliche to say, but as true today as it was when it was created — and they can also take us anywhere.