Saying goodbye is never easy. This we all know. There never seems to be an appropriate time and goodbye seems all too final.

Scottish Novelist and Playwright J.M. Barrie once said, “Never say goodbye, because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.”

Since September, I have been proudly reporting for The Charlotte Gazette and keeping the residents of our county informed with news.

However, my time as a reporter here has come to an end. Although I will no longer be out in the field, I will still play a role in the daily operations of the Gazette.

In addition to still being a dedicated member of the Gazette team, I will continue to pursue artistic endeavors. During my time writing for the Gazette, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about our county as well as the important contributions that many local citizens have made to the place we all call home.

Without a doubt, Charlotte County is one of the most unique and unified areas that I have had the pleasure of serving. It just so happens to be the place where I grew up.

Being a writer has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people along this journey, while pushing my personal limits in the field.

I am incredibly proud of my colleagues and the dedication involved in producing a quality product each week. Our readers have also shown a tremendous amount of support.

J.C. Penney department store founder James Cash Penney said, “growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”

Although I will miss writing, I’m excited about the possibilities to come in the next chapter of my life.

So, I will not say goodbye because this is not the end.

I’ll just say, to be continued…

Italia Gregory is a staff reporter for The Charlotte Gazette, and can be reached at italia.gregory@thecharlottegazette.com.