Thank you for your good wishes. I have read your emails and letters and am overwhelmed with by your kindness.

It would have been impossible almost 35 years ago to imagine you and I would have this phenomenal relationship, a relationship that has grown, rich and enduring. How lucky am I.

When I began television was in its infancy just as the internet is today and I wasn't totally sure it was my calling.

Early on, I produced a spot for The New England Home for Little Wanderers. They were having trouble finding good parents for their children. A month after that 60 second spot aired, I got a call from the Home saying they had so many wonderful applicants they needed to share them with other orphanages and agencies in New England. And I thought, wow. If one 60 second spot can make life better for 50 children, this thing called TV is for me.

Since then my years here at WCVB have more than fulfilled my dreams of making a difference.

Through our campaigns and telethons, I have met life's true heroes. People like Jennifer Haskins - a little freckled red head sitting in a wheel chair with the biggest smile. She was five then and I immediately fell in love. Her indomitable spirit and love for life lives within each of us fortunate enough to have known her. To the hundreds of Jennifer's in my life, I say thank you.

As women, we have long since left the days of "women need not apply" to this day when any position is within reach.

Through the years, you have invited me into your homes, your offices, your places of business. You sent me pictures of your children on their birthdays. You wrote and told me when you were afraid I helped you feel safe.

Together, we lived through the events that define us, from Vietnam to 911. And together we celebrated life….including the almost unbearable joy when the Red Sox broke the curse and beat the Yankees.

My life has been a privilege indeed, to have shared all this with you, to have worked with the finest men and women in this profession, to be part of a television station that has dedicated itself to our community.

It is not easy to walk away from this. But life moves on and I, like many of you, am ready for a new challenge.

I'm hoping many of you will join me as we chart new waters in this extended journey of life. Where once, we came to be 60ish, retired and died, now we say, I'm not done yet. I'm ready for MY NEXT BIG THING.

I leave you tonight filled with hope for our country and our fellow citizens. I wish you and your family’s good health and love.

And I thank you for sharing this moment with me.

On behalf of WCVB, Newscenter Five, I'm Natalie Jacobson. Good night.