They say Virginia is for lovers. It's a great slogan and a tug I've felt on my heart strings for many years now. Ever since I set foot on campus at Washington and Lee University (more years ago than I'm going to reveal in this blog), I've known that I love Virginia. I've known that I wanted to settle here, grow some roots, make it home. Keep in mind, I was born in Iowa.
When I launched my reporting career, I started close to Virginia. Nestled in the hills of wild and wonderful West Virginia, I longed to cross that state line. When our News Director called and offered me a job with WSET, I was beyond excited. I was also humbled that such a stellar news operation saw that I might be a good fit for their team.
In my time with ABC 13, I feel like I've been blessed with thoughtful and outstanding co-workers. We don't all work in the same place, but wherever they are- they are there when I need them. They have taken a tremendous interest in both my career and my life. They've touched me in ways I can never repay... in words and actions I'll never forget. News coverage isn't always easy. Highly emotional stories can be taxing. Working holidays means missing those precious moments with family. That's news, though. Thankfully, I've always had my ABC 13 family beside me and somehow that makes it okay.
A lot of people have asked me what I think of Danville. It's taken me a while to come around to the right answer and I never thought it would be this: I love Danville. The reality is, this city has something very special. It has a community of people with tremendous heart. I haven't even been here 3 years, and yet I feel like I've been here forever. I feel welcome, I feel appreciated, and I feel at home here. I've formed friendships that will last a lifetime. When I go out to eat or into a local store, people know my name. They know who I am and care about how I'm doing. I'm not just another customer. When I go to the YMCA, I see familiar faces, I get to know people and know my community. When I want to go for a run, I feel safe running out of my house, down to the Riverwalk Trail. I can pick up my vegetables at the Farmer's Market on the way back and get home without even touching my car.
That's what makes life in Danville so charming. It's simple and it's meaningful.
That's what makes what I'm going to say next so difficult. I'm moving. Starting in August, I'll be working at a TV station in Richmond. This is something I've aspired to for a long time. Most reporters hop the country, itching to see what opportunities exist. I love Virginia. I never wanted to leave the Commonwealth and Richmond was always the end game for me. I love the culture and excitement in the capital city. I'm eager to tell stories there and plant some roots. And for those of you who know me well, you know that this decision was a matter of following my heart too. Virginia is for lovers, after all. I'm ready to make it home.
Thank you for your time, your talent, your kindness, and for being you. This is a time in my life I'll reflect on fondly. Please stay in touch with me. You can find out what I'm up to on facebook. And don't think for a second you'll get away with "good-bye". This story is one without ending and I like it that way.
In Danville, Sarah Bloom, ABC 13 News.
