So many faces in and out of my life
Some will last, some will just be now and then
Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes
I'm afraid it's time for goodbye again

--Say Goodbye to Hollywood - Billy Joel

I hate change. Ask anyone who knows me. Even when it is a positive change, I still have problems adjusting. So when the change, is someone I love moving out of my life, I'm kind of a mess.

When you spend a great deal of time working in one place, you tend to have work friends and friends with whom you work. What's the distinction?

I guess it would be the difference between an acquaintance you're friendly with when you see them in the hall, and a person who you sit down and talk to about life's mysteries, a person who gives a really good hug.

Or perhaps, the distinction is, a workmate who gives you a strange decoration for Christmas because you did them a favor, as opposed to a guy who brings you fresh Wisconsin cheese curds because he knows you love them!

That's my friend Jonny. We have worked together on separate radio stations in this building for 14 years and now he's leaving. I am so sad about it, I can't bear to talk about it, so it's a good thing I'm writing this instead.

Jonny V is a funny, talented, handsome, and most of all, kind person, with sparkling, mischievous, blue eyes, and a remarkable work ethic. The preparation he puts into the show he does on one of our sister stations every day is astounding. Yet he still has time to bring me hilarious, strange and wacky stories he has uncovered, so that I might be able to use them in some way.

Long ago, we discovered a mutual belief in, and love for, the supernatural. This led to us spending copious amounts of time on Wednesday nights, for years, watching spooky shows while texting or talking to each other about them. Jonny is also a foodie who loves trying new things and he's shared many with me.

Here in our building, Jonny is also known as the "King of Sharpies"! (Okay, that might be something only I call him.)  A superfan of WWE wrestling and metal music, (so he has a few faults) he also adores his family in Wisconsin, is a loving uncle to his nieces, and truly would do just about anything for a good friend.

He is leaving his job here in Sioux Falls and moving to Portland, Oregon, not for another job, but for the best, most noble reason in the world. He fell in love.

His girlfriend, Nicole, found her dream job there, and Jonny is following her.

I love him, I hate that he's leaving, but I know we'll see each other again. I wish him, and Nicole, all the wonderful adventures and love the universe holds for them.


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