Sholeh: Farewell to these ink-stained pastures

I don’t know how to begin. After nearly 23 years, next week’s will be my last column for the Coeur d’Alene Press. When I first got the news, I cried.

This has been more than a job.

Being part of a newsroom — perhaps a small part now, but for many years my role was much broader — has been akin to a life. In fact, it brought me a whole new life, not only professionally, but personally. 

It was through this column that I met and fell in love with my husband, Mike Patrick. Who was the editor of this newspaper for more than two decades and a career journalist for four. Whose role as editorial writer, he recently learned, also ended this month.

Such are the realities for modern newspapers juggling big industry changes. We’ve been lucky to have such a long run, and we’re deeply grateful for every minute. 

To our bosses, Clint Schroeder and Brad Hagadone: Thank you; you went above and beyond when times were tough for us. We’ll never forget that.

But this isn’t just about goodbyes.

Between us, you might imagine that when I say we lived, ate and breathed the Press, I mean it literally. I wrote for several Hagadone publications, pinch-hit as a reporter and volunteered on the newspaper’s behalf. 

News is a 24/7 life, especially for Mike as an editor. Most will never know how much he did behind the scenes, how much of himself he willingly and passionately gave. Yes, it was draining at times, but it also connected us with every level of our community, from the local to the state level, public and private.

We’ve loved being part of it. We worked with fascinating and fun characters and gained many friends, a little hate mail (thick skin is a job requirement) and countless unusual experiences.

I’ve learned so much. Every interview and the research behind it are a learning experience for a journalist. I learned about the complexities behind state lawmaking and county budgeting. About mining, bark beetles and forest fires (shout-out to all the underrecognized agencies who fight them). About alternative aircraft fuels, alpacas, coffee beans and winemaking. About mental illness, domestic violence and addiction.

In other words, I learned about life as it’s lived by people other than me.

Yes, we love to write; but being a (typically introverted) journalist is mostly about sharing what we learn to contribute to an informed community. A contribution which, hopefully, leads to better-informed voting and improved efforts to address shared problems.

Being a journalist and supporting responsible, unbiased journalism are essential elements of a healthy, democratic society. Having a small part in that has gifted us with a meaningful life.

You’ll see one more column next week (Mrs. Language Person has to have the last word). I’m writing this farewell early so I can still access any feedback that might reach my inbox.

I bid all who’ve gifted their attention, new readers and old; my Press family through the years and the treasured friends gained as a journalist, a heartfelt farewell. 

Mike and I will miss you. Please keep reading your local newspaper. Please stay informed, mindful of bias and connected to your communities near and far.

And remember: No matter how much anyone knows, there is so much more to learn.

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Sholeh Patrick has been a columnist for the Hagadone News Network, and loved every word. She’d love to hear from you once more at Sholeh@cdapress.com.