I didn't write a blog entry when Trish Hartman left WNEP because, honestly, we weren't all that close. I always liked her, but we worked different shifts, different schedules, different assignments. I never got to know her.
I will pass along this story from Trish's final night. She walked over to where I was seated, all teary eyed and said "I'll never see you again." To which I replied "This is a good thing." We both got a laugh out of that, and we went our separate ways.
There was some contact over the last couple of years-- an occasional Tweet or e-mail. I'm glad we kept in touch and I hope the feeling is mutual.
Trish recently started working at WPVI ABC 6 in Philadelphia, one of America's great television stations. The station, obviously, has publicity photos. Trish Instagrammed that hers had arrived. I responded that I wanted an autographed copy, and it appeared in my mail box the other day.
I'll level with you. A lot of people have gone through our town who have moved on to bigger things. Many have baffled me. I just didn't see it. Not Trish. She's major market caliber and WPVI realized that.
I'm glad we were on the same team for a while.
And, an APAL blog wouldn't be complete without some sass and snark. Trish signed her first and last name. Did you think I wouldn't recognize you? And, thanks for the warm message, "To APAL!" I'm touched and having difficulty holding back the tears.