Saratoga taught me to take a breath

I have enjoyed writing for the Saratoga Sun, and reporting on the town and meeting some awesome people. But, my time in Saratoga is coming to a close.

By the time you read this, I will be preparing to leave Saratoga to begin my new job as publisher for the Pine Bluffs Post in Pine Bluffs, Wyo.

I want to thank the Saratoga Sun for giving me a chance to write, and I want to thank Stevenson Newspapers for giving me an opportunity to move on in the industry.

The first story I reported on while working for the Saratoga Sun was on the section of the North Platte River running through Saratoga. It was my first day on the job, and General Manager Liz Wood asked me to come along and sit in on an interview with Chuck Bartlett. I don’t think Liz expected me to write the story, but I did anyway, because I was anxious to show my worth to the paper.

My favorite part about this job was getting to meet amazing people in the Valley, and having an opportunity to hear their stories. My most memorable interview since I’ve been in the industry was with Bob Merlo, the local veterinarian who had to leave Saratoga due to terminal cancer. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet Merlo, and I was honored to tell his story.

Since living in Saratoga, I have developed a greater appreciation for this place, even though I grew up about 40 minutes away. Before actually living here, Saratoga was just “The place with the hot pool”. Now, it is so much more than that.

It’s a place with interesting and friendly people, great fishing, good music, floating and that rare moment of silence that encouraged me to take a deep breath, slow down and enjoy life.

I have to be honest. Before I came Saratoga, I was a nervous wreck. But thanks to living here for a short time, I’ve learned it is OK to relax. I have to attribute my new-found ability to relax to Keith McLendon, who showed me floating the river is therapy, and also taught me a number of other life lessons I would have never learned otherwise.

This column isn’t so much as saying goodbye, because you can bet I’ll be back. I just wanted a chance to thank the community for welcoming me with open arms, and I hope you all enjoyed reading my stories as much as I enjoyed writing them.