Hunley: It's time to say goodbye

Thank you.

Thank you for telling me your stories. And for sending me tips.

Even for busting on me on insidenova.com or over email, because that, at least, meant that you read what I wrote in this space.

And, after all, that’s what we’re after in this game. Journalism, whether it’s on newsprint, a computer or a cellphone that’s got a screen bigger than mine, is meant to be shared.

So thank you for reading. It’s the highest compliment you can give a writer, at least one who does this for a living. If no one read, I might as well not have written. It’s that simple.

However, for almost 2½ years, you’ve hung with me through columns on topics ranging from pig racing to the death penalty.

It’s humbling, and I can’t properly express my gratitude, I’m afraid. 

Today is my last day at the News & Messenger.

On Tuesday, I start as editor and general manager of The News Virginian in Waynesboro.

It’s a sister newspaper to this one, so a lot of things will be similar for me. And it’s only a couple of hours away, so it’s not like I’m moving to the end of the earth or anything.

But it will mean that, aside from visits, I won’t be around these parts to bother news sources, or get sandwiches from The Deli Depot or pizza from Tony’s in Manassas.

I’ll miss regularly bothering local political people here — of both parties, of course — whether they are elected officials, staff, campaign professionals or activists.

But I was glad to be around for their stories.

Along the same lines, I smiled while writing tales of couples getting hitched, and I paused while slowly typing words about parents losing children.

I appreciated being able to call my ex-Secret Service sources about issues presidential, and my car guy for automotive matters.

I loved touting the Potomac Nationals, and relating the quest of professional wrestler “Wiseguy” Jimmy Cicero to raise awareness of autism.

Those are ongoing stories, and I’m encouraged as local folks spend money on both, especially the latter.

It was heartwarming, too, to hear about your children whenever I wrote about my 4-year-old son, which was frequently.

So Jackson thanks you, as well. When you bought the paper, that allowed me to get paid, which will in a few years mean I might actually be able to afford to send him to college.

Anyhow, it’s been a great ride.

When you speak of me, speak well.

And if you can’t speak well, don’t speak at all.

Post your comments somewhere online, making sure to spell my name correctly.

It’ll be good publicity for my column at The News Virginian.

Jonathan Hunley is a staff writer at the News & Messenger. Contact him at 703-369-5738, or at jhunley@insidenova.com.