Monica LaSalle, Peak to Peak. I greatly dislike saying goodbye to people, situations, jobs, towns…you name it. I am notoriously bad at it and prefer the proverbial “Irish Goodbye” that has me ducking out the back door of any party I manage to get talked into attending. Being a mostly introverted person, I have found it difficult to overcome this in an effort to pursue stories, a position I never dreamed I would find myself, never having had a desire to be a small town journalist (now National Geo…well hey, shoot for the moon). 

Despite having absolutely no journalist experience or education, merely an insatiable desire to help one of my best friends continue to live her own passion as she waited to die, I have now come to a place where it is time to bring this brief stint to a graceful end. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with those of you who were willing, respected those of you who refused despite your later outspoken complaints to the contrary, and am humbled and contrite to those of you who felt inaccurately represented by my efforts. 

My heart is full of gratitude for the praise and kind words of support I have received from so many of you as I blunder my way down this dark path with no guidebook other than your gentle criticisms accompanied by beaming smiles. Lit only by the occasional camera flash, I trudged along week after week while working two and three other jobs simultaneously. To those of you who were disappointed I did not show to cover your event, please accept my sincere regret. I too have been frustrated with no longer having inexhaustible energy and stamina. 

It has been a pleasure to write for you, Peak to Peak Region. All the best, Monica. 

(Originally published in the August 1, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)