First and foremost, I would like to state, here, publicly, that I’ve been tremendously lucky. There are days were I cannot comprehend why I get to have so many opportunities while others don’t. My only regret is not taking advantage of all of them at the time. In my defence I would use the argument that I was busy, unavailable or even sick, however, I know deep down that if I wanted to take that chance, there would’ve been nothing that could’ve stopped me. But today is not about me. It’s about goodbyes.
Yes, eventually this day had to come. As Helen Rowland would say: “A man never knows how to say goodbye; a woman never knows when to say it.” Sadly, it’s true. Like most human beings, I don’t like goodbyes. I don’t hate them, as I’ve grown used to them due to a childhood of moving back and forth, but this time is different. I’ve been in Montreal for a year. I would walk to Old Port when the weather was favourable, and get lost in Vieux Montreal, go from one bar to the next in St. Laurent and have a shawarma at Sharizard with my roommates at Crescent St… I even enjoyed the Tim Horton’s miraculous anti-sleep, caffeine-potion for those eternal hours at the library.
Although I’ve learned a lot during my year here, some of the “wisdom” that I’ve applied here are lessons learned from back home. One of these is something my grandmother would always say to me since I was in diapers: “Be thankful. Thank everyone, absolutely EVERYONE, even if they’ve hurt you, as you’ve become stronger thanks to them.”
So without further ado, this is the moment were I thank everyone, starting with my roommates. I will not name them, but rather use their household nicknames, which, I have to point out, have all been approved in a democratic vote even though that person didn’t agree 99% of the times. Then again, that’s the point of a nickname.
Marlene – I will miss your fully formed opinions and general persona. Brown Bear – the way you think and your approach to learning. The Fat One – you have a big heart, and are an incredibly good listener. The Dragon – the cutest, kindest, loveliest person I’ve ever met. Jerkoff – I love the way you push everyone’s buttons and can turn any situation into a comic one.
This is my house. Mi casa. Honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better one. I’ve been able to make the changes I longed to make thanks to these people as well as others. I’ve told them time and time again, and I’ll do so now – they are my family. I hope, nay, I pray, we’re still friends in 10, 20 years time. Our paths will go separate ways, but if we’re ever in the same city again, I will harass you until you meet up with me. Our relationship is like that. It’s wonderful. No, it’s beautiful, and I wouldn’t have changed anything. We’re so different it’s shocking that we all get along so well. I love you all. I’ll try and come next year, and you’ll be the first to know. Goodbye, adiós. Os quiero. Mucho.
Thumbnail: personal photo
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