Love Letter

I need to share my feelings on someone I met a few years ago. Someone who has helped me more than I can say. And because we are shortly to be apart, I need to mark this moment , to put into words how sad I am to be separated; but how happy I am to have had the experience. I fell for this most handsome gent instantly. He’s my city, my rainy haven. Glasgow.

I came here what feels like an eternity ago — unsure and unconfident. I am leaving a different person. I like the girl I am, and it is in no small part credited to this town. I arrived to fulfil an ambition, and it made me do that. Pushed me forward every day. Even though I became disenchanted with that particular vocation, I found a soul mate within the residents of this gorgeous corner of the world — our dear green place. I see my time here as nothing but a success, because of what this hard yet noble town has taught me about the world. And myself. I have known a few cities well, but this one is utterly unique, and ever fascinating.

During my time I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived in the beautiful, iconic sandstone villages of the west end; a charismatic, leafy district with its hidden cobbled lanes, vougish bars and tongue in cheek high society. Aimlessly wandering on a cold autumn afternoon, I sometimes wonder to myself why anyone would choose to live anywhere but here.

He’s a show off , just look at him; his sleek space age venues juxtaposed with rennaisance buildings in a clashing of ages that’s enough to make you swoon. It didn’t take me a minute to think of him as my new home. And even though we’re going to be apart for a time, I will not stop harassing with my ardor. Weekending with no abatement.

Of course, at times I was irritated. It can be an exhaustive life as a mother in this giant of a town. But I could never stay angry. One step outside onto those vibrant streets and all was forgiven; a wink from a cheeky old timer, the difficult to decipher happy chatter of teenagers, or the stretched smile and exclamation of affection from a suited city boy with an overly confident stride. I laugh, roll my eyes, but feel relieved. It cheers me on, and assures me that everyone is on the same side. Rooting for each other, with a quick retort at the ready to make a stranger’s day.

I am not sure what’s around the corner, and I can’t tell you how exciting that is. I do know however that I am forever grateful for the gifts I was given by experiencing this life — I am leaving sure of myself. Focused on learning, with an avid interest in the world, with humanity, and not the smallest concern for the opinions of others. Not that I regret any part of my life before this time. Because it is true that to appreciate the light you must experience darkness. Everything you have been through has created who you are now, and there is always something good to be seen, if you can understand the lesson.