Legacy Story
Save this story. Print it out. If you ever wonder if what you do matters, read it. It’s the story of Moya Farrell, a personality at C100/Halifax. She’s now retired, but this story shows the lasting impact of her legacy.
What You Do Matters
Moya received this letter on her last day on-air
Dear Moya,
This week has come so quickly. I can’t believe it’s time to say farewell.
Radio is such a unique medium.I hear your voice each morning. Your laughter, your thoughts on the topics of the day but you never hear mine. Until now. You have been with me just about every day for all these years.
I’ve listened as I was going off to university, when I was getting my children ready for school, while I read the paper, did my make up, enjoyed a morning coffee or in my vehicle going to work.
I remember when I was graduating university (The Mount with my Bachelor of Child Studies- with Education degree), where I would sometimes come into contact with you. So young and impressionable was I, I was lucky. I got to meet a local celebrity.
Through the years we have both been through divorces and our children grew. We both were lucky enough to find a second love and all the wonderful things that a more thoughtful choice in partners brings us.
I have listened with admiration as you took up running to run the Breast Cancer fundraisers (forgive my memory now but I believe it was in memory of your sister in law). I was thrilled for you when you were able to go to Australia with your mom and cried with you when you discussed the passing of your dad . I’ve heard your unhappiness with your weight and your love of beer. I know you love wearing the colour pink and hate your hair.
You are much more crafty than I but I suspect I have a little less time to work on the crafts. With Kevin so far away most days, you have had a little more time than I in the evenings.
By the way, you spend way too much time your iPad.
Your chats with the little kids (the show’s Breakfast Kids feature) make me laugh. Their definitions of things like love, rules in their classroom and silly jokes are one of the highlights of my day. I cry when you cry as you read special poems. I laugh when you laugh at so many things during the show.
You have been a champion for the things that women our age hold dear. I love that you aren’t afraid to speak up for yourself and others. I share most of the same morals you do to fight for the things that aren’t right and make sure people should be accountable to be good to each other.
You have been my gal pal all these years and you don’t even know me. That is the unique gift of radio. It’s been such a personal experience going through life together.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed some the women guests who have filled in when you are gone. Gwen is fun and hip and I love her youthful perspective. She helps keep us (along with our kids) up to date on the latest “thing” of the day. But no one is you Moya. I will miss you dearly.
I hope you find something public to do in your future so I can occasionally see how you continue through life, and can’t wait to hear about Shannon’s kids – your grandchildren and your adventures with them.
Peter has a bigger job now (I had to include him in this letter as you have been quite a team) and whoever occupies your seat in the future has got big shoes to fill!
You have been so important to me, Moya. The sound of your voice, your experiences and your perspective. I couldn’t let the moment pass without sending you a note.
Best wishes my radio friend,
All the best,
Tara
Comments
Tracy Johnson:
The Legacy Project is about inspiring personalities to be the best they can be. Moya’s story is a great example.
When you have a bad day and feel like skipping show prep or going through the motions, read this article.
If you wonder whether sharing personal stories on the air is important, read it.
When you think it may not be worth it to be vulnerable on-air, read it.
On those days you worry about the future of the radio industry, read it.
When the alarm goes off at 4 am, read it.
Great personalities and great performances change lives.
