I just received horribly sad news. My friend and co-worker, Darcy Pohland died unexpectedly in her sleep last night. It doesn’t even seem real. I can’t wrap my head around it. I also can’t stop crying.
I can say, without a bit of hesitation I would not be who I am, or where I am without Darcy.
I’ve known Darcy since I was in high school. She took a chance on a kid she had met through e-mail. A teacher told me Darcy was an old student of hers and that if I wanted to know more about working in TV, I should contact her. So I sent an e-mail. We continued to e-mail back and forth for about a year. Then in 2003, Darcy agreed to volunteer her time and mentor me my senior year. She was the first one who encouraged me to do what I’m doing now.
I knew nothing about TV. I spent almost every day with her. Going to WCCO was by far my favorite part of the day. I dreamed of working here, calling Darcy a coworker. Little did I know that dream would become a reality in a few years.
Darcy helped me get my first internship, which led to my second one, and that eventually led to the job I have now. Despite all the talks we’ve had throughout the years, I’m not sure she really knew how much I admired her. Darcy was my true first journalism teacher, but along the way Darcy taught me much more than about life.
Darcy was an eternal optimist. One summer in college, Darcy broke her neck after diving into a swimming pool. Regardless of losing the ability to use her legs and having minimal ability in her arms, Darcy never complained about it. She never let using a wheelchair stop her from doing anything. Rain, snow, sandy riverbanks, nothing was out of the question for Darcy. She couldn’t say no… and you couldn’t say no to her.
She was always happy. Always. Darcy had a light around her, she’d whiz by on her wheelchair say hi, and you’d smile. Her laugh was infectious, her smile beamed. In fact, I don’t remember her ever complaining about having a bad day. It’s a lesson we all should learn.
Going to work today is going to be terribly hard. Darcy was a rock and source of knowledge in the newsroom. She was a tried and true Vikings and Gopher fan. I will always remember her strength, passion, optimism and wit. I’m so thankful a few weeks ago I was able to tell her how much her friendship has meant to me throughout the years. It won’t ever replace the hole in my heart because she’s no longer with us.
I’ll be eternally grateful for Darcy’s guidance and friendship all these years. She’s been such an inspiration and I will miss her so very, very much.
