Sad to have left

Dear Editor,
Just a quick note to thank all those involved in organizing the 100 anniversary celebrations of the town of Rainy River.
What a event!
What a treat to see people we have not seen for such a long time, those we spent time with in our youths, and to have the opportunity to tell them how much they have meant to us in the intervening years, to recall conversations and advice that have helped steady us in difficult times in the intervening years.
That weekend was such a gift, and considering how much organization I am sure went into it over the last few years, you should all know how much it is appreciated by those of us who live and work elsewhere.
Several years ago when I clued into the fact that this life was not about me and that it is only the giving that makes us what we are, I began to see how fortunate I was for being born and raised in a small town where community was so important. And early this morning when I finally pulled into my driveway after a marathon journey to the east coast, when I glanced up at the fading stars and smelled the salt and the seaweed in the air, I had no idea whether I felt happy to be home or sad to have left such good friends so far behind.
–Paul Marquis
Antigonish, Nova Scotia