I have dreaded writing this letter for a long time. It is, without a doubt, the hardest goodbye I have yet to say. But I always knew that in the event of my exit, it would feel best for me to put it all in writing—no confusion, nothing left out, all from my heart. (And in deeply knowing myself, my last day on air will be so tearful that I won’t be able to get all of this out as eloquently! Apologies in advance.) If you’re reading this message, thank you. You’re likely a longtime friend, family member or loyal viewer.
It’s with a heavy, but optimistic heart that I tell you I’ve made the decision to take a leap of faith and leave Oklahoma City. It has taken many months, long talks with family, ugly tears, an engagement and ceaseless soul searching for me to make this choice. And if I’m being honest, it doesn’t feel good, despite knowing it’s what is best for me at this time.
I arrived in OKC in December of 2014—a young 24-year-old who couldn’t believe she had landed a job here. Having grown up in Ada watching Oklahoma City stations, it was a dream to join KOCO 5. I didn’t feel fully qualified for, or deserving enough of the job at the time. But, hell, was I going to give it my all! The team automatically felt like family. My hunger and love for the assignments, the people and this community has been insatiable. That cannot be changed.
I lead an incredible life. There are days when I sit and marvel at the blessings before me. I’m on the go, have the most rewarding career, the love of my family and the privilege of a front-row seat to daily Oklahoma history. Many of you often write and say: “Do you ever get a day off?!”, “I love following your adventures!” These notes always make me laugh and smile. And while I haven’t taken any of these things for granted, the part of my life that viewers don’t get to see on camera is the solitude this exciting life also brings. I live both ends of the spectrum. I wake up at 2am, go to sleep at 6pm—all with family and a fiancé who live in another state. Chris and I have been in a long distance relationship for 10 years—both deciding our twenties were for focusing on careers that could set us up for the best lives possible down the road. And as those twenties come to a close for me, it’s time I take this show on the road and go home to him. And to more.
When I think back on the last five years, it amazes me all the life I’ve lived here. That morning anchor desk has held many different versions of me. I have loved, lost, made mistakes, learned lessons, worked hard, met truly remarkable people, and I have grown. And when that ON AIR light comes on, I’ve been able to leave all things good and bad outside that studio and just enjoy my early mornings with YOU.
I am still enamored with the news business. It’s intoxicating. And I’ll share a life update when I have one. But I’ve heard about this “You can have it all” line for a while, and it’s my turn at an attempt to grasp for it. I am leaving with the full support and love from my station—this was not their wish. To my bosses, thank you for letting me cry it out on several occasions in your offices! And for taking a chance on that inexperienced 24-year-old girl all those years ago. To my morning team, you have been my family. You have taught me invaluable lessons, laughed with me AND at me, and been the brightest example of dedication and selflessness. You, my friends, are magic. To my family, I am here only because of you. Your endless love has propelled me along my way. And to my viewers, a million thank yous wouldn’t suffice. You have warmly welcomed me into your homes, poured light into my mornings and blessed me with more gratitude than I ever imagined possible. I hope to have served you well in my time here, and that you would always save me a seat up on that anchor desk—for I have learned that we never know what life will bring, or what it will bring back. I love you all. Dearly.
Sincerely yours,
Markie