Sunday, April 26, 2015

A Final Farewell

(For some context, please read the most recent post, A Final Notice to the Viewers).

On April 15th, I made a decision to move from one stage of my life to the next, by announcing that I would be ceasing operations here at The Weather Centre on our five-year-anniversary, April 26th 2015. In that process, I finally lifted the veil over my age, my (lack of) credentials, and how I got started on this blog in the first place.

The response I got was very much the most overwhelming and inspiring collection of comments I have ever seen anywhere on the Internet, and possibly at any time in my life. As I read and re-read your comments, I started to really realize what The Weather Centre has become. It is not a blog; we've built it into a community unlike any other. For five years, we all contributed to teaching each other (myself included) a little more about the weather with each post, and that's something I'm extremely proud of.

As I sit here, writing what will be the final post on The Weather Centre blog, I'm experiencing a wide range of emotions. I can still remember the feverish nights spent during the April 2011 tornado outbreak, posting tornado warnings on this blog, not being able to keep up with all the warnings that kept coming out. I can still remember rushing home from school on a daily basis to check the weather models and whip up a new post on an impending winter storm. But the thing I remember most is how fun it's been, and how sad I am to see it go. However, as the saying goes:

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
- Dr. Seuss


As I close the book on this chapter of my life and move on to a new one, I can't help but smile.

Thank you all for such an incredible five years. This has become something more than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams, and you've all been the driving force behind it. There is nothing else I can say but thank you.

For the final time,
Andrew Racki

14 comments:

End of the Day said...

It is becoming rare to see a young man with your qualities. Stay just the way you are.

Unknown said...

Good luck, look forward to hearing about you in the future.

Dave D. said...

Andrew, I missed your earlier post. What a terrific story. In addition to your forecasting, you're just a fine all-around writer, which I admire greatly, and is extra-rare in someone your age. Keep honing that.

You're a credit to all the people and forces who have had a hand in forming you so far. Best of luck with all your endeavors.

Unknown said...

Andrew,

You are an amazing talent and I hope you are able to validate your models. The one selfish act I ask of you is that you stay active on Twitter, it's a great value weather geeks. Keep us posted in your travels and enjoy college, it it is the best years of your life!

All the best!

Ryan

Shawn said...

Thank you Andrew! :)

David Gay said...

Please share the URL(s) for other "go to" weather blogs.

I will share this tip with folks reading these comments. During winter months, I check www.johndee.com on a daily basis for his most accurate snow accumulation forecasts in and around the Great Lakes region.

Anonymous said...

andrew... you are the weatherMAN dude!
and one of the few willing to make right on long range forecasts. your time,effort, and passion for the weather are gratefully appreciated. as well as your effort... !!
best wishes

Sherry said...

Andrew,

I have been following you for a few years and I am thankful to say that you have taught me much!

I ALWAYS waited to see what your opinion was on upcoming weather, I found you to be spot on and willing to look beyond 3 days.

There was once 2 winters ago that you indicated a big snow storm was coming in 2 weeks but there was nothing about it in my local news, my husband and I prepared as such (we live in a remote area).

Then 24 hours before the storm hit our local weather gave warnings of it and people were frantic trying to prepare, it was so nice to have already been ready for it.

I am sad to hear I will no longer be able to follow you, but I am so happy for you. I know I will be hearing about you sometime in the future as I believe you a destined for greatness. Look out Jim Cantore, lol.

Good luck and thank you for the last 5 years.

Sherry =)

Unknown said...

I leave you the best wishes! We all know that you have a dream inside of you, and so in my opinion, I believe that while your decision may be heartbreaking, it is also for the best. I also have dreams of becoming a meteorologist in Seattle, WA. You and your blog have changed my life, including my career path and decision on whether or not I should go to college. Your links to all of the weather models have been very useful and have helped me forecast longer-ranged storms in my area with considerably less struggle than before.

Frank-o said...

This Quote from "LONESOME DOVE" sums it all up.... "Gus" is on his death bed and he is talking to Woodrow....."IT'S BEEN A HELL OF A PARTY......AN'T IT WOODROW".....Nuff Said.....

Anonymous said...

Good luck in your future. I will miss your long range forecast which no one else seemed to have the guts to make.

Anonymous said...

You have a bright future ahead of you. As a fellow weather geek I wish you all the best. I am really going to miss your long range analysis. You did an amazing thing with this blog.

Alex said...

Thank you for sharing your time, your knowledge and your wonderful blog!!! Thank you., More Blessings and *GOD BLESS*
Hurricane Panels Miami Dade

roger1868 said...

Andrew, I am so, so, happy to see you are coming back. I have always looked forward to your incredible forecasts. You are an essential part of my being!!!! Thank you for your return!!!!