Eventually things change.
As I write this goodbye letter to you fine folk that make up this great little town of Barrhead, I am overcome by a sense of loss.
The first night I arrived in town, I was overcome by the huge glow of the street lights on the pitch-black sky, but by the morning things began to settle for me and my adventure began.
Personally, I didn’t know what waited for me in the days, weeks and months ahead, which made me a little nervous. However, over time, I began to become accustomed to life in Barrhead, accepting that I was no longer in the big city.
Understandably, I faced some gentle ribbing from friends back home in Toronto. They’d question me about what there was to do for fun, how will I pass the time, or what colour cowboy hat I would get?
Stupid questions if you ask me, but I guess they think they’re funny or something.
Seriously though, I didn’t know things would work out for me. I was asking myself questions like: can I make friends, can I fit in, can I afford to live on my own and still be able to enjoy life?
Yes, yes and yes.
My first three months in town were the coldest I’ve ever experienced. I didn’t have a car, so I had to walk everywhere. I’m sure most of you saw me trudging through the snow, while I walked to the provincial court building or to and from the Agrena. It took me a while to form the friendships in town that I will carry with me into the future.
The Barrhead Community Theatre became the first group of people that I would call friends. I was thrust into the role of Prince Charming for the production of Cinderella. I was a little nervous about doing it, because I hadn’t acted in a play since high school, and the fact that I had to pretend kiss an RCMP officer’s wife was really nerve racking for me. Fortunately, her husband didn’t arrest me or lay a beating on me. I really appreciate that Kirk. You two will make awesome parents. The friendships I forged while we rehearsed were the anchor for me when things got hard, and for that I will always remember you guys.
In May, I moved to a new place in town and quickly became friends with a group of guys that accepted me into their posse. Luke, Trent, Connor, Kevin K., Kevin B., Mark, Pierre and anyone else I missed, please remember, if you ever take a road trip to northern Ontario, you will have a place to stay. You all have a special place in my heart. I experienced many firsts with you guys that I will never forget.
My heart aches as I prepare to leave Barrhead. I have grown really fond of life out here. You have something great going on here that I will fondly recall while I’m driving Highway 420.
Joe Seiffeddine, I will miss eating my poached-egg breakfast at the Prairie Chef. To my friends at the RCMP, I wish you all the best; it was great working with you guys, while sharing laughs. Randy and Sarah Paupst, you two were my spiritual anchor while my faith was tested. To my workmates at the Leader, I will never forget you guys and the laughs we shared day in and day out. Amy Newton, that princess tiara you gave me will sit on my mantle until it disintegrates. Marion Properzi – no words can encompass everything you did for me, so I will sum it up with this: You were a mom to me. Your generosity is amazing and your kindness unmatched.
Karen Mast, you are one of the sweetest and strongest ladies I’ve ever met. You are a precious gem, and I’ll miss our chats during court recesses.
To the recent grads from BCHS, thanks for putting up with an eager reporter trying to hone his sports writing skills – Sami, I’m looking at you bud. Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing you in the NBA one day.
As I make my trek to Timmins, Ontario, I want you all to know that Barrhead will always hold a special place in my heart. You have something tangible out here that I haven’t seen anywhere else.
Thank you for accepting me into your lives and letting me tell your stories.
