The Week of Last Things

This is the week of last things. I have been in Victoria for 386 days. Not continuously, but for 56 weeks I have flown in most Sundays and I have flown out most Thursdays.

This is the week of last things. The last time I will go out to that particular restaurant, the last time I will see that colleague for a while. The last time I will see this client, ever.

It’s been a good year. I find myself sad, a bit wistful. I’ve had a good time here, done some good things here, made some good friends here.

I’ve lived here. Unlike when I was in Calgary coming up on 3 years ago, I have actually lived here. I’ve walked around, developed traditions. There’s 2 scoop Tuesday and sending chocolates to my niece and coffee at Habit.

I’ve worked hard, and I’ve enjoyed myself. I could say many things about the hidden charms of Victoria. I could talk about how lovely it is, I could talk about how sad I am to leave when the cherry blossoms are out, when the daffodils are blooming and the azaleas are about to start.

Mostly though, I will thank Victoria for this: I have lived here. Not just resided, but lived. I have laughed here like I hadn’t laughed in oh so very long. I have made friends here, been lauded here. I have grown here.

Victoria has given me so many gifts, but mostly I am thankful for the laughter.