It hasn’t quite sunk in just yet that my esteemed colleague Tyler Murphy is leaving our little fold. Oh sure, I’ve had plenty of time to get used to the idea since he gave what is possibly the longest notice in history. (You know, Tyler, two weeks is customary. Two months is a bit excessive).
But despite more than ample notice, I’m not sure what I’ll do on Monday morning when he’s not here. You see, he (re)joined the ES staff during my second week on the job. And I’m not entirely certain how I’m going to manage without him. (Jeff, I hope you were sitting down for that little revelation.)
Our relationship has not always been an easy one. There has been a fair bit of tension between young Mr. Murphy and myself during our shared tenure at Chenango County’s hometown daily. Largely because we’re both fiercely competitive. And we have pretty divergent opinions and beliefs when it comes to, well, just about everything.
Including, I might add, where dirty dishes should be placed. I’m of the opinion that they should be put directly in the dishwasher. Tyler, on the other hand, insists on leaving them in the sink. Probably because he knows it irritates the heck out of me. (One of his greatest strengths is knowing how to push buttons.)
In fact, we fall so often on the opposite side of issues and debates that when we find ourselves agreeing philosophically on something – anything – we’re a bit taken aback.
The beauty of our differing view points is that it leads to healthy (and, yes, sometimes heated) discussion, something I can assure you there has been no shortage of these last couple of years.
It is one of the things I’m going to miss. Because I will miss him. More than I realized, actually. (Don’t let that go to your head, Tyler.)
That said, I’m glad he’s leaving. And no, not because of the whole dish thing. I think he’s ready to leave the nest and I’m proud of him for having the courage to spread his wings. I’m more than a little excited for him, too. A fresh start, with all sorts of new opportunities to explore and discover – it’s exhilarating. I know; I’ve done it a time or two myself. There are a world of possibilities in front of him, and I’m glad he’s going for the brass ring.
The newsroom will be a much different place without him, of course. Reporter X will bring a whole new set of skills, interests and personality into the mix, and our staff’s dynamic will change as a result. But change is a good thing. It’s necessary, too, in order to evolve and grow.
There will be new assignments as well. As Tyler mentioned in his parting column on Tuesday, I’ll be taking over the police/fire/court beat. I’m excited for the opportunity, but it’s a little bitter sweet. See, it will mean giving up coverage of two areas which have taken up a lot of my time over the last (almost) three years: the Norwich City School District or Chenango County’s agriculture community. They’ll be in good hands, I know. Brian Golden will be taking on the NCSD; Melissa deCordova, agriculture. But it’ll still be hard to let go. Not that I’ll have too much time to dwell on it, since I’ll have a lot of work to do getting acclimated to my new beat. Tyler’s been showing me the ropes the last few days. But next week, I’ll be on my own. It’s funny, but part of me feels like a newbie reporter all over again. I’ll get over it of course. But in the mean time, I’ll keep reminding myself that change is good. And comfort zones are for wimps.
Tyler, I bid you a fond farewell. I wish you nothing but success and happiness with your move, and in life. Good luck, my friend.

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