Swan Song

I was recently chatting with a friend about superstitions. I have never been a superstitious person; not really worried if a black cat crosses my path, I don’t feel the need to throw salt over my shoulder, nor do I open umbrella’s inside simply because it’s too complicated and just does not make sense. Sometimes, if I’m having a rough day I’ll say a couple Hail Marys’ and move on. I’m not Catholic but I don’t think that rule really applies. But as I was chatting about different superstitions with my friend, we ventured to the topic of Native American superstitions and beliefs and how in Native American culture they don’t ever say ‘goodbye.’ To them, goodbye is the ultimate end – death.

Well, the good news is I’m not dying. So, I guess I’m not saying ‘goodbye,’ but rather I am saying ‘until next time.’ This edition of The Madisonianwill be my last as I head out on my next adventure. 

I first came to Madison County when I was four years old. My family and I lived in the old Mill Creek Apartments while my parents built our house on Centennial Street. My room was a glorious lavender hue and I attended Sheridan Elementary where I met some of my very best friends. 

I came back to the Ruby Valley in November of 2014 – the first crossroads of my adult life. Fresh out of journalism school and out of work, my second family took me in and gave me a job. Soon after, I found my way to The Madisonianas a freelance writer. Bing, bang, boom – I was fully employed with my first reporter gig. Three years later, I’ve reached my second crossroad. 

It’s a bittersweet moment to leave Madison County again. While I’m excited, and scared, for my new adventure, I’m sad to leave friends, coworkers, my Girl Scouts and all my canine and feline friends from my array of house and pet sitting jobs. More so, I’m sad to leave the relationships I spent the last three years building and the communities that allowed me to tell their stories, good or bad. 

With that said, I’m excited for whatever is to come next. I don’t know what that is, yet, so if you’re thinking I’m not being very logical about this, you’re absolutely right. I guess I’m going on a feeling and I’m confident I’ll figure it out.

I just wanted to say thank you, readers, for giving me a job and trusting me with your words. I know you will take care of the new staff as well as you took care of me. 

Until next time,

Caitlin