Saying goodbye...

Four and a half years ago, I was approached by Fredie Carmichael, who was at the time The Meridian Star Executive Editor. He asked me to come home to Meridian to start a new publication under their umbrella. Four and a half years ago, I made that decision and moved back to my hometown with no clue how Meridian and the surrounding area would take to this new product I would bring to life. 

I remember the first event I attended — The Ralph Morgan Rodeo. Mr. Ralph and Mrs. Libba graciously allowed me to come and photograph all the wonderful people attending their two night event. I remember your faces as I asked to take your photos. Your reaction, "what is 393 Magazine?" I got this question for two months as I went to each and every event around the 393 zip code photographing you, your families and your friends. 

Before the first issue hit stands, all the business owners I visited with to market this new publication were wonderful as they took time to listen to what I had to say. Without even seeing a mock up of the future magazine, they signed contracts to run ads for their businesses in this idea that was coming to life. I had a passion for this and I think they could see it in my eyes and feel it coming from my heart that this would succeed and be in Meridian for years to come. 

The two days leading up to what we call "upload day" were long and frustrating during September 2007. Helen Reynolds has been by my side since the first issue. She and I worked and reworked the layout of that first issue many times to make sure that first publication was a hit for y'all. And the day the printer called to notify me it was one hour out of Meridian, my heart stopped. This was it — this was the day Meridian would either love it or hate it. 

Now, almost five years since the first issue hit stands, you still have amazing things to say to me about this publication. I have appreciated those words and I will always remember them. 

A week and a half after my husband and I returned from our wedding, I was hit with life changing news. I was called in to be notified I no longer had a job as 393 Magazine Editor. Due to budget cuts, my position would be no more. I can't tell you how bad it hurt to know that something I've worked so hard for, to make sure it succeeded in this community, was just ripped from my hands. I knew I would eventually have to let it go, as my husband and I would be moving to Birmingham, but I had planned to produce two more issues before I left. I was crushed.

Many of you still call me and tell me of your events asking me to cover them, and I've had to inform you of this news. Now, just six weeks after this took place, I felt the need to formally let y'all know. No, I didn't just quit without saying goodbye. I had planned a farewell letter for my last issue, as I wanted to thank each of you for your kindness, encouragement and most of all your support. Since that was taken from me, this was the only way I knew how to express my gratitude.    

Almost two months ago, I married the love of my life and it's time to start a new and exciting chapter in my life. We are in the process of moving to Birmingham as I follow my husband and his career. While I will miss the every day hustle and bustle of the 393 life, I know the thing I will miss most is taking your photographs at all the events. Seeing your smiling faces and watching old and new friends unite has been the most rewarding. I thank you for supporting me with four and a half years of kindness and encouragement. I wish you all the best.