“Wish me well…” Ann Curry signed off this morning from her year-long stint as co-anchor on the Today Show.  I know I’m not alone in wishing her well, and I’m not alone in wanting to thank her for her unflagging zeal in getting to the heart of a story, her scrupulous efforts to be utterly factual, and her ebullient optimism concerning humanity.

The trash talking began as soon as any information about her position at Today became hints, then rumor, then outright speculation.  Throughout this gossip gantlet, Curry managed to focus on her daily duties and maintain a calm demeanor, exhibiting her hallmark professionalism.  To the last moment, she remained a class act.

So, thank you, Ann, for being there, early morning after early morning, for the fourteen years you put in at the news desk.  Thank you for the heart you showed, both in courage and kindness, in every difficult story, in every dangerous assignment.  Thank you for showing the world that not every American is shallow, vain or vapid — or blonde and blue-eyed, either.  Thank you for daring to be real on and off camera. Thank you for your smiles, tears, and sense of fun; we have no doubt that they were always genuine.  Thank you for being an advocate for the displaced, the disenfranchised, the marginalized everywhere. Thank you for your demands for truth and justice in every instance.

I wish you well, and above all, I wish you continued hope and heart and unwavering honesty, and success in all you do. I regret we only had one year of your contribution to the anchor desk, and I know you do, too. But I relish the thought of what you can really accomplish for the world with this new role, and I’m looking forward to seeing what you can teach us all.

It’s a pleasure to share the planet with you, Ann. 

Wish you well.