Yesterday, I landed in Boston and today I soaked in the city I previously called home. Tonight, I am moved to write her a love letter.
Dear Boston:
Wow, have you changed!
From my first ride out of the airport to my drive around the old South End neighborhood I noticed it. I could see it in your eyes dear Boston, written all over your face.
It was quite a shock to see what you’ve done with yourself.
The home store on my old neighborhood corner is gone, and you put a bank in its place!? (Does Boston really need another bank?) That’s okay, I never shopped at that little story anyway.
But, the funky cool shoe store down the street is now a barber shop? And, the tiny boutique across the street is now a chocolate store? Plus! The building next door is now empty, sleeping, deserted.
Let’s face it, I recognize you, but I also recognize how much you don’t quite seem like the you I knew.
While I’ve been gone, you’ve been busy! Just look at your new buildings, stores, sights, scenery.
It is clear to me that you’ve grown and stretched since I’ve been away.
Most of all, I see that you have moved on ~ without me.
It feels so abrupt.
But, in my heart, I know it has been a really slow metamorphosis. You have been evolving, under the surface, all along.
And, it’s okay. I can live with that. I can appreciate the need to change, to invent, to reinvent, to evolve, to sleep and rest, to move and to shake.
Because I have been busy too.
I have been building, changing, evolving, resting, moving and shaking.
Wait a second … am I the one who changed?
Did we change together?
Are we both that different?
I guess it doesn’t matter. Because in my heart, I still love you, and I see you for who you are, who you are becoming and who you want to be.
I can’t wait to see who you will be in another year.
Me too for that matter.
Do you know that I am happier and healthier than I’ve ever been? Did you hear I’m not shopping this year? Did you notice I didn’t buy anything today? I didn’t even stop in your Newbury Street shops.
But, please don’t worry.
I will be back. And, I will shop another day, another time. When I am ready, after this year of investing in my head, heart, body and soul is complete.
I can’t promise I will be the same.
But, then again, neither can you.
With love,
Jamie
