Thank You and Farewell

This farewell comes both early and late. Early, because we never intended to leave Texas after only two years, and late, because it’s been a long year of waiting for our house to sell and living in separate states as a means to make it all work. Finally, this season is over.

In the last two weeks I’ve pondered the things I’ll miss about Amarillo, as well as the things I will not miss. Let’s start with the latter.

I will not miss:
– the make-you-crazy and damaging 40+ mph wind
– the occasional smell of cow manure, especially on a hot summer day
– the flatness of the terrain with minimal trees
– big property taxes on very little land
– refilling drink water jugs every week (I just wanna drink from the tap!)
– the cost of a plane ticket/the long drive to see friends and family on the east coast

Obviously, had the last item not been a factor, the rest would’ve been annoying but manageable. If you’ve ever lived across the country from your loved ones, then you know what I mean. There is something to be said about living within a day’s drive of your parents.

On the flip side, I will most certainly miss:
– my lovely house
– my former job at Amarillo Magazine
– low-to-no humidity (I’ll really miss this when summer in Tennessee rolls around)
– the unmatched beauty of a Panhandle sunrise and sunset
Blue Sky burgers with a side of cheesy bacon fries
Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm
– of course, the people

I originally attempted to name everyone who’s been so gracious, friendly, and kind to me, but the list ran far too long. As a whole that speaks to the goodness of people who live here, which is a unique and special quality only few cities can claim. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t name a few:

– Michele, I’m convinced that God brought me to Amarillo to meet you. I dearly miss our long talks, our brainstorming sessions and especially our laughter. There is a very short list of people for whom I’d dance, get felt up by a hot air balloonist, and wear my hair in a side ponytail. Fortunately, you made that list on Day One. There is always a place for you to stay wherever I live.

– Danh and Patrick, my favorite work buddies, thank you for all the techy help and good talks. I’ll miss your company. And Danh, Salem will miss you too. He told me so.

– Les, thank you for your support, your Georgia boy banter and for catching the misspelling of my name in the February issue (I’m giving credit where credit is due). I’ll be sure to send you photos from inside Neyland Stadium.

– Jim, thank you for taking a chance on me. Creating your book has been a great privilege.

– Tonya, Christi and Elisa, thank you for fostering a friendship between my boys and yours. Every play date and get-together was worth it.

Taylor, our fearless realtor, your persistence paid off! Thanks for hanging in there with us.

– To the people of Paramount, your generosities come from the heart. For that, you’ve made this last year much easier to bear. Just when I didn’t think we’d have family here, you proved otherwise. Jeff and Debbie, I will deeply miss hearing your bits of wisdom each week. My eyes well up just thinking about it. Thank you, most of all, for your genuine encouragement.

– To all of the wonderful people I interviewed for Amarillo Magazine, thank you for being the greatest introduction to this city a girl could ask for.

I’m overwhelmed by all of the generosity that’s been shown to us. While leaving the city of Amarillo isn’t very hard at all, leaving its people has me in tears. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

And farewell.

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