Thank You

It all started with Spiedie Fest.

I cooked my heart our for that little 3rd place trophy, and went home exhausted and happy.

Ironically as I was uploading my pictures, I got the email which started the ball rolling on my future.

I knew I needed to stay through the HD conversion, the flood anniversary, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

These last two months, knowing my days at 40 were numbered, really let me take it all in.

What I never quite expected was the outpouring of love I got both in person and on Facebook.

The night before "Strides" we went to Octoberfest at the German-American Club. My husband was stunned by all the people who came up to wish me well.

As we walked back he said turn around and look at all this. Remember it for when things are not going well.

Strides was super-emotional for me. I took this job when I was still finishing up rehab after being treated for breast cancer. I was in sort of rough shape at the time, but 2 years later I am in much less pain.

I am so grateful I had the chance to tell my story at Strides, it wasn't really appropriate for the sign-off of a newscast. Also I will always be thankful to Lori for downloading my good-bye song from Dreamgirls.

I wish my husband had not missed taking a photo of the ribbon cutting..anybody got one?

There is of course Miss Elaine and Sistas Upliftng Sistas. Elaine and her lovely lasses walked in Strides, danced with me during my good-bye, made me a video, and threw me a party and even made me a trophy!

Hard to Say Goodbye Suzanne Music Video

WICZ was a wonderful place to work, and I will always be rooting for news director Suh Neubauer and GM John Leet, and the rest of the team. Hey and there is still a football show I named! Suh even made me the best cupcakes, I don't know many news directors who bake for departing anchors.

Outside of work, the time I spent with friends, the beautiful (for the most part) weather, all lead to an enchanted week.

My last meals were delicious, great food at Moxie, Water Street, Bud's in Apalachin, one of the friendliest restaurants in the world.

Speaking of food, for two years I drooled at Wally and Mary Roper's food pix, and just in time I got to come over and have a spectacular dinner on the lake.

I have to say, it did take saying good-bye for me to fully appreciate what makes Greater Binghamton so special.

You don't get it your first day, your first month, or even your first year.

As you get to know the area, it's most special quality is not spiedies or even the hills, it's the generous spirit of the people.

Thank you for giving me a wonderful send-off. You will always be in my heart.