This is not how I wanted to go out. Tonight is my last shift at the Detroit Free Press. I’m excited to tell you where I’m headed next week — and I’m sure many of you can figure it out through process of elimination — but I’m bummed this is how I’m signing off from what I always considered my dream job. Since college, I wanted to work for the Freep and become the next Dave Birkett, Tom Kowalski or Dan Wetzel. About a decade ago, it was a privilege to file nearly 400 freelance stories for then-sports editor Kevin Bull. It was an even bigger honor when current editor Nicole Nichols told me a few months ago that, after so many years in the farm system, I’d finally been called up to the big leagues. Plans change, and that’s OK. Where I’m headed should be even more exciting than what I set out to accomplish 16 years ago. With that being said, to borrow the most hated colloquialism among journalists who cover recruiting, I wanted my last shift to be a celebration. Instead, my work computer died, and I’m one of nearly 300,000 Metro Detroiters without power. I filed today’s story from my phone while sitting in my car. The copy and photos are serviceable, but anyone who knows me will recognize they’re below the standard I’ve set for myself. That’s incredibly disappointing. I wanted my final two stories to be bangers on my way out the door. I’ll do my best tonight when I go to CC-Davison. Just know I’m playing from behind before the game even kicks off. Thanks to everyone who has read me at Hometown Life and the Freep. I especially want to thank Tom, Susan and Barry. My next opportunity doesn’t happen without you. And thank you to my family — Bea, JJ, Don and Kathy — for the support you give me every day. I promised myself I wouldn’t write one of these sappy long posts. I just wanted to show up next week and simply announce my next job. But this unfortunate ending to my time at the Freep deserved an explanation. See you Tuesday. Excelsior. Folsom

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