I left on the Independence day, it was 15th Aug when I last saw you. And today the calendar reads, 26th Jan, the Republic day. I am sorry that it took me this long to get out of the denial phase, let this fact sink in and be ready to finally say you "good bye".
Did I miss you in this period? Yes, every single day, I found you in everything at the slightest resemblance of any experience you gave me, just for instance: metros reminded C-Train and malls reminded Chinook and so on. Perhaps, I wanted to go back and remember you in every chance I could get. Because, in disguise, I was missing me, what and how I was with you.
Calgary, you are deeply ingrained in me. You are my first onsite and perhaps it's because of this, everything related to you is very special and close to my heart, just like the first love. I was really never ready to bid you farewell, or I would say I am still hesitating. Saying a "good bye" is always hard, and especially when you know there is nothing good coming out of this bye. But all good things also come to an end. So before I gear up for the next chapter, let me take some time and reminisce your/our memories.
Where do I start? 7th Street, Downtown, Calgary tower, 17th Ave, Prince's island park, City hall, Chinook, C-Train, Dspot, RCS, Wallmart, Dollarama or every place that my mind is wandering to now? My world was limited to these few places and still enriched with countless endearing memories, unnumbered untold stories that only bring me peace now. Banff, Jasper, Kananaskis, Canmore all in and around, I fail to count how many times I have had dreams of all these places. You gave me my first snowfall, first northern light show, first nightout and first sunrise by the lake. You have been magical.
You introduced me many new faces, some good friends, some gem of persons, be it Infosys-Calgary, OSCAA or Sri Anagha Datta society, I feel wealthy that I have got these people in my life. All thanks to you! You added a flavour to my experience of celebration of any occasion. Yes, i missed you on this year Diwali (last year was a full day Infy + OSCAA event day).
Calgary, You are not just a place but a full package of memorable moments for me. So everytime, I would come across a photo of yours or would hear your name or read it somewhere, I would well up just like I am teary now, and my heart would be full remembering all your memories.
Please know that going away was never my decision but a compulsion. I have seen with you some of my high of high and low of low times. Thank you for witnessing me! I will always feel warm and welcoming with you even in the month of January. You do and will always have a piece of my heart. Untill, we meet again - Good Bye, Calgary!
Yours,
Madhu
Picture courtesy - City of Calgary
