Goodbye Vancouver

Today is my last day in Vancouver. I am currently on a plane headed to NYC and while am really scared, I’m also very excited and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.

I had many memories and laughs here. I changed a lot as a person and I owe it to this beautiful city. When I moved here 10 years ago, I had no friends and didn’t know much about life. 10 years later I have 2 degrees, traveled to a few countries, made lots of friends, been in love, got my first job, bought 2 cars, did 3 weightlifting competitions and got closer to my family. I discovered new things about myself, read many books, started a blog and explored BC. I had a stroke, witnessed a pandemic and totaled my first car.

People always say the journey is the prize, but I never realized that until my last month when I started saying goodbye to my friends and family. I never realized how much people loved and cared for me. I never realized how much my brothers respect and look up to me. I never realized that I meant soo much to some people. It broke my heart, I felt sad leaving my friends and family behind, but I guess that how I know my time here was worth it. That is meant something. That no matter where I go there will be people who love me, root for me, and want what’s best for me.

Also, I can’t help but feel grateful. Grateful to my dad who brought my family and I here. For taking the leap, for being alone years on end, sacrificing his mental state and well being so we could have a better future. Grateful to my mom who uprooted here life to move to a place where she doesn’t speak the language and doesn’t know anyone, just so her kids could thrive in a better place. Grateful to my brothers for always putting a smile on my face, for keeping me company on my journey and for being the best brothers one can ask for. Grateful to all the friendships I made, all the laughs memories and meaningful conversations. It is amazing how having the right people in your life can make all the difference.

As I write these words on the plane, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with emotion and tears. It sucks that am leaving, it sucks that we will soon be far apart, but that’s the nature of life. My takeaway lesson is to cherish every moment and laugh like no tomorrow.

Finally, if you have made it this far, if you are still reading these words, I want you to know that I care about you and that I love you. Au Revoir.  

With love and gratitude,

محمد