An Old Goodbye Letter

In April 2007, I left my job of fifteen years for a new one.  It wasn’t one of those “I-can’t-wait-to-get-out-of-here” sort of departures, either.

I loved my job, and loved the work I did.

This evening I was sifting through some old emails, and found this message I wrote back then, on my last day, before walking out the door for the last time as an employee there.

For posterity, it’s preserved below:

Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:13:58 -0400 [04/27/2007 07:13:58 PM EST]

From: Jon Reddick

To: All Employees

Subject: I Don’t Believe in Goodbyes

I don’t really believe in goodbyes.

If a friendship is ended by a change of employers or city of residence, that friendship was already over anyhow. True friendships however, like those I’ve developed over the past fifteen years working here, won’t be impacted by the fact that, once I click “send” on this email and walk out the door, am no longer going to be sitting at this desk and enjoying the privilege of your company each day.

Goodbyes are for passing acquaintances who share a perfunctory handshake and obligatory smile along with strained niceties before heading off on their own independent agendas.

So I refuse to say, “Goodbye.” Many of you are more like family than friend to me, and like family, you’ll end up seeing me again whether you like it or not.

Before writing this little note, I took a walk around the building to look at it one more time through the eyes of a employee, and though it was full of memories, it only reinforced that it’s not the bricks & lumber, but the hearts and minds that have made my tenure here what it was.

My years here have been like a wonderful roller-coaster ride: sometimes racing & sometimes coasting, equal parts screaming and laughing, alternately up & down, but always, and without fail, thrilling.

Sadly, the time has come for me to get off the ride.

I’m fiercely proud of this television station and the people who breathe life into it day in and day out. Thank you for the opportunity to share and be part of the experience.

“Have a great show, everyone.”

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Jon Reddick

WCTV Alumnus / Broadcast Television Civilian