Walked over and looked out my old window. I stared at Capitol Towers’ parking garage one last time. I remembered the morning editorial meetings with Sid Salter, David Hampton, Joe White, John Hammack, Eric Stringfellow and Jim Ewing. They’re gone now. So is my desk. Only memories remained.
I walked over to my most recent office. It used to be Keith Warren’s office until I took it over a couple of years ago. It’s empty now, too. I packed up my last box and put it on the dolly. I’m now downstairs in one of the old V.I.P. Magazine offices — but only temporally. The Clarion-Ledger will be thankfully remodeled. By 2015, advertising and editorial will fill the space once filled by the newsroom. The dull, gray emptiness will finally be gone.
There have been a lot of changes at The Clarion-Ledger. You’ve seen some of them. I’ve seen even more. It has a new publisher named Jason Taylor who has a very strong reputation because of his community involvement and professional success. I hope he kicks butt here in Jackson like he did in Chattanooga. I can tell you that his energy is refreshing. It’s already making a big difference. I’m really pulling for the guy.
My role has changed a lot in the last few years. But every change has brought forward blessings. Sure, there have been some challenges but challenges blast you out of your comfort zone. After nearly 18 years in Mississippi, I’m thankful to still be able to bring you editorial cartoons. They’re what brought me to the dance. And I will always find a way to get them to you. Promise.
For now, I just unloaded the last box in my temporary home. It will be fun to see what the future brings. I just hope it brings me a cartoon idea for tomorrow.