Saying goodbye is never easy...

If you haven't heard the news yet, I will be leaving the Ulysses News. My last day will be July 31.

For almost six years I have made the trek from the Oklahoma Panhandle five days (sometimes seven days), a week. Many days I have burned the midnight oil well past midnight before making the trip back home.

So, even though I never physically moved here - I have lived here. I have purchased food, gas and other items here. I have spent the majority of my time here. But more importantly, I have grown to feel like Ulysses was my second home. I have gotten to know so many who I now cherish as dear friends.

Since day one of coming here I knew there was something different about this community. When I first came, I could feel it more than I could see it. As I said last week, at that time, I was looking for something to fill a void in my life.

What initially brought me to Ulysses was my older sister, Sharon Garey, who told me about a job opening with the newspaper. Sharon retired from teaching here a few years before I came.

I applied and the rest, as the story goes, is history.

And why have I stayed? I stayed because of the people I have met. I have encountered priceless individuals who have shown through their actions there are still good people in this world. Individuals who have given so much of themselves to make this community a better place. Individuals who have not said "it can't be done", but have chosen instead to say, "let's get 'er done". Individuals who have seen a need, rolled up their sleeves and made it happen.

People who have taken time to not only lend a hand, but to also stop and pray for someone, give a hug or just lend an ear to listen.

If you wonder what it is that makes Grant County a great place to be, look around. Open your eyes to those who work to open new businesses, who volunteer for events and organizations.

It is also a place where there are things "happening". Farmer's Market, High Five Adventure Park, Grant County Recreation Commission, Grant County Library, Spring Fling, Summer Bash, Home Products Dinner, Before and Crafter event and brick and mortar location, Main Street ARTery, Wine Walk, Grant County Fair, school events, Main Street Blaze, Fired on Main, Scouting, 4-H, and so much more. 

Grant County has so much to offer you have to just partake. Get involved.

Share a smile with someone today. Give a hug. Take the time to get to know your neighbor. Make the effort to be a part of something - to make a difference no matter how small.

My time here is quickly coming to an end, but I will never forget this Southwest Kansas community.

Saying goodbye is never easy. So, as I said recently, instead of goodbye, I will say what I've heard some people do instead - I will say "see you later". And, as the saying goes, "how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

I will miss telling your stories. I will miss the best part of Grant County - the people.