Thanks for the memories

By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle

When I moved to Bigfork almost two-and-a-half years ago, I had no idea just how hard this job would be, or how hard it would be to say good-bye to it.

This week's issue marks my last with the Eagle, and as hard as it is to leave a job that's been so much fun while teaching me a few life lessons at the same time, I'm looking forward to starting another chapter in my life. As one of my favorite movies, "Shattered Glass," states, "It's true, journalism is hard work, everybody's under pressure, everybody's grinding to get the issue out. Nobody's getting any sleep, but you are allowed to smile every once in a while." I've had plenty of reasons to smile while working at the Eagle.

I noticed right off the bat that people were kind, sincere and generous. Coaches, parents and athletes made an effort to get to know me as did other community members. The effort they showed made me want to give back to the community as well and help express their stories in a way that others would understand and identify with them and hear their voice telling the story. I hope I accomplished that.

The number of different personalities I've met and stories I've been privileged to tell have kept me on my toes. Whether it was writing about teams struggling for a win, other teams advancing to the state tournament or individuals overcoming obstacles, I identified with them all and learned a little more about myself from them.

Some of my favorite moments were ones in which I was personally challenged to learn even more about myself and overcome fears such as heights, raging rapids and wild animals. Skydiving, whitewater kayaking and hiking in Montana's wilderness were opportunities I may never had taken advantage of if I hadn't have applied for the sports and outdoors reporter position at the Eagle. It was a position I didn't think I'd even hear back about after I sent my resume and writing samples in.

As much fun as all those activities were — driving a racecar was pretty exhilarating too — gaining respect and familiarity within the community was just as thrilling. When and how I became known as "the newspaper lady" among the high school kids, I don't know but it made me truly feel like a part of this wonderful little village. Decorating downtown for Christmas, cleaning the Fork and walking around the track at Relay for Life enhanced that feeling even more.

While I won't be a part of the Eagle staff any more, I will still be a part of the Bigfork community through the fall months. You'll still see my face around town and more than likely still around sporting events. There will be a new "newspaper lady" soon though. I hope she finds Bigfork as welcoming and intriguing as I have. And on that note, I just want to thank you. Truly. I've loved every second of this.