Comments on: So long

By: Jeanie

Jeanie — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:59:19 +0000

Hi, Laurel:

From your neighbour down the hall, I feel like I missed out on an opportunity! I wish I would’ve extended a more Winnipeg welcome to you and invited you in for a martini, cup of tea, or whatever else!

I remember moving to a new city about 5 years ago, and I only stayed there for 6 months. It was hard for me, too, being away from my family and those that keep me grounded in life. I didn’t realize how important that was to me.

I didn’t make any new friends, had a hard time adjusting without my support systems — and while I loved the city i lived in, I was simply lonely.

I promised myself that I would never forget that experience and extend openness to someone in a similar situation. It appears I forgot my own promise. For that, I’m sorry.

But I do hope you travel back home with rich memories of our little city and a pat on your back for making such a move. It doesn’t mean that you’ll never do something like this again: it just means you’ll be prepared.

And for the rest of us, we missed an opportunity to welcome you and get to know you personally. Not as the blog-writer, but as my neighbour down the hall.

Warm wishes, Jeanie

By: Will O'Neill

Will O'Neill — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:59:31 +0000

Dear Laurel,

I know what that dog food tastes like…!

By: Gepinniw

Gepinniw — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:48:19 +0000

Hey, don’t be embarrassed. It ain’t no crime to change your mind. Fact is, Winnipeg is great, and B.C. is too. What a country!

By: MRMB

MRMB — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:48:26 +0000

Wow. I am really surprised to read this. I’ve been lurking here since your story first appeared in the paper and have enjoyed your posts. We actually have very similar backgrounds as my father also served at CFB Milner Ridge, which you wrote about in your daytripping post. After being away for over 16 years I moved back home in 2007, even though my parents still live down east. The difference here is that we left when I was 15 whereas you left at 2. I’m totally thrilled to be back here and grateful for every day that doesn’t have the big city smog and traffic/3 hour commutes/rat race of Toronto. Yes, I’m still far from my family but we do after all have to take our own paths in life. Your stories never left the impression of someone sitting in your apartment too much!

Really sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you.

By: Laurel

Laurel — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:24:32 +0000

Aw, thanks for the kind words, everyone!

By: A Rat in the Sandbox

A Rat in the Sandbox — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:09:41 +0000

C’mon… the summer hasn’t been *that* bad, has it?

I hope this is a cruel hoax.

Unfortunately, I am sure it is not. Enjoyed reading you, Laurel. Best of luck in your future travels.

By: Mr.Nobody

Mr.Nobody — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:07:37 +0000

Lol, don’t take it so seriously.

By: Billy

Billy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:03:33 +0000

Having moved here 2 years ago from Vancouver, I’ve been there multiple times. Uprooting from a city like Vancouver to a town like Winnipeg definitely shrinks one’s support network and often times I’ve felt lonely and homesick wanting to just pick up and move back home.

I definitely enjoyed your contribution to this blog. Best of luck.

By: Prairie Topiary

Prairie Topiary — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 06:02:19 +0000

Best wishes, Laurel. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and thoughts on our city. We’d love to have you back anytime.

By: Norm

Norm — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:35:43 +0000

You’re going to be missed in the city and over the web – I enjoyed your many posts and hope that your return to a greener pasture goes well for you – Your post was moving and I’m glad you wrote it and I could read it

All the best Laurel!