Time to say goodbye

Shakespeare said it best: “Parting is such sweet sorrow”.

A lot has happened since I first joined Caxton in January 2005 as a bright-eyed journalist ready to conquer the world. It has been a rewarding journey on which I have met and interviewed many remarkable people.

It is so easy to take for granted the fascinating individuals we’re surrounded by in our everyday lives. The single mother of four who has put herself through university. The committed police officer who always goes the extra mile regardless of the fact that at home he and his wife are facing her battle against breast cancer. The young entrepreneur on a mission to raise funds for those less fortunate, even though he’s only in Grade 5. The now bedridden 98-year-old who survived the Holocaust and fled to South Africa with her family. I’ve always firmly believed we all have a story to tell and have loved discovering what they are.

For those in the community I have met as well as those I have only spoken to over the phone or via email or social media – it has been a pleasure.

There are too many people to thank to single anyone individual out, so thank you all for your involvement in my life. I take my hat off to all those dedicated to improving their community and, if you aren’t already, encourage you to get involved in your neighbourhood.

Thank you for reading the newspaper and allowing me to share my ramblings with you once a week. I will miss sharing this space with you.

Throughout my career I have been blessed to work with some wonderful people which I will genuinely miss as I begin this new chapter.

To my team it is with a heavy heart that I bid you farewell and wish you all every happiness in life and success in your career, but have every confidence in Sammi-Jo Botha who will be taking over in my stead.

In closing please remember: Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. Laughing at yourself is therapeutic!