Dear Portland,
It's not secret. You and me, we don't always get along. You probably shouldn't follow my facebook page because, I sometimes say not nic
e things about you. Sorry. I have lived here with my family for 1,138 days. You have made sure that we didn't see the sun for at least 742 days of those days. That's 65.2% no sunshine. Pretty rude, Portland, pretty rude.
Our friends have been like family here. We've been surrounded, built up, and supported through three years of constant school and tests, . I'm confident that we won't ever again have a friend structure like the one we have. Not because we won't have good friends in other places. But because, never again, will there be so many people who are doing the exact same things we are; all of us in the same stage of life, striving towards very similar goals living in the same ward and most of us in the same apartment complex.
What you lack in Sunshine, Portland, you make up for in ward members. Hartley Park Ward is jam packed with friends and memories. You know the term "ward family"? That's what this ward has. I am blessed that these people are so willing to accept students into their family over and over again. They love and give with no reservation of us leaving in three years time. I would bore you, but you can read about my love affair with my calling here. Both of our callings have given us the opportunity to work with and build relationships with people we probably wouldn't have known well otherwise. Amazing people, who I love.
Together, we've trudged through 11 finals weeks, potty training, morning sickness, heat waves, "Arctic Blast 2010", midnight feedings, carpet cleanings, temper tantrums, and disappointment.
We shared with you celebrations, elation, graduation, Christmases, zoo trips, birthday parties, first steps, and excitement mixed with anxiety.
So much, you are our home; our first real permenent location. I remember so vidily the first time I walked into our apartment. The sunlight shined through the sliding glass door, and hit the grey carpet, showing it's brown color. And I knew, that's where we would live. Just 3 days ago, the sight of the rooms so empty made my chest tight, and my eyes fill.
For always, Portland, you will hold a very special place in our hearts. I really believe when it's all done, we'll look back and these past three years will be three of the best years of our lives.
Farwell, Portland. We love you.
Together, we've trudged through 11 finals weeks, potty training, morning sickness, heat waves, "Arctic Blast 2010", midnight feedings, carpet cleanings, temper tantrums, and disappointment.
We shared with you celebrations, elation, graduation, Christmases, zoo trips, birthday parties, first steps, and excitement mixed with anxiety.
So much, you are our home; our first real permenent location. I remember so vidily the first time I walked into our apartment. The sunlight shined through the sliding glass door, and hit the grey carpet, showing it's brown color. And I knew, that's where we would live. Just 3 days ago, the sight of the rooms so empty made my chest tight, and my eyes fill.
For always, Portland, you will hold a very special place in our hearts. I really believe when it's all done, we'll look back and these past three years will be three of the best years of our lives.
Farwell, Portland. We love you.
2 comments:
I had to tear up at this. I felt what you're feeling exactly a year ago... and I still miss it. Good luck with your new adventures!
Awww, Bethany! We miss you guys, too. This was a great reminder to me to make the most of our few years here. Hope Vegas AKA "Tuxedo Park South" grows on you as much as Portland did:^D Now does this mean you're going to have the reverse problem of too much sun so when you finally get back to CA it will be a Goldilocks moment?
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