You've...You've earned it.

Tonight is my father's last night on the job at WSB-TV.  He's retiring after 35 years as one of the most well-known TV personalities in Atlanta (not just my opinion).  

My wife and I went up to the TV station earlier tonight to watch his 6 p.m. show broadcast live in the studio on this final day.  I thought it would be a nice way to spend the evening - to hang out and watch him do one of his last shows.  During my brief 4-year stint in TV, Dad was there the first time I ever anchored a sports cast at WNEG back in 1999.  Since he saw my alpha, I thought I'd tried to return the favor for his omega.

It was a good plan.  But like most plans in the TV business, it was shot full of holes.  Dad's segment (already whittled to 2:00) ended up getting killed entirely right as he sat down at the anchor desk.  You see, the Little League World Series ran long on ABC and there was some bad weather in the area that needed some more coverage (not to mention a story about, I-kid-you-not, "Man bites man" that just HAD to be in the show).  So, as usual, sports got kicked to the curb (despite the fact that there was actual news to report - Matt Ryan has been named the opening day starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons).

Oh well.  It's been a good ride for Dad.  There's no preempting retirement, just showers to avoid on the golf course.  He's earned it.  So tune in later tonight and you'll hear these words from Dad for the final time:

"Tonight, on Sports Final..."

Scott H.