I came to Kitimat when there was mountains of snow everywhere. It was cold and crisp...it looked like a snow valley ski resort town. And It kept snowing....and snowing and raining and snowing....And I leave with daffodils and tulips blooming and leaves on the tree opening. Everyday I see more green everywhere. I came in the winter and I leave in the spring.
I was very unsure about coming here, what was expected of me. I didn't know anyone except for Mike...Him I know very well, and he was my safe haven to come home too...to his man cave. Where every other night it seemed like a Union Meeting here with the boys.....
And the only other person I had met Before was Jennifer she works at the Dollar Store...I had met her a couple of times from previous trips here to see Mikey.
I think its good now and then to get out of the box and explore who you are and what you can do. I was unsure about the job I was about to do. But to chicken out and give up to go home was to be a coward. I have told people that I ran away from home. And maybe people shake their heads and wonder what the heck I was doing, or maybe they think that I ran away from my responsibilities. But, I see life as a adventure, one huge bucket list, what ever you want to call it. And I am very glad that I had done this...for me for you for them.
I didn't know the town, the people I work with...and now...I discovered the people the town and me. I knew what kind of person I was/am. I hear what my co-workers, friends, family, children say about me. But to leave home and restart somewhere else reaffirms who what you are.
But the past few days, saying good-bye to the people here in Kitimat, I see their reactions...and I am shocked and stunned... As Sally Field said when she won her Oscar..."they like, me they really like me." and I feel bad for saying good bye to Kitimat. And mostly I feel sad to say farewell to the girls I work with, my staff. But, I think I had made some new friends, not just face book friends, but friends. And isn't it what life is about...meeting new people and making friends...no one will remember the job you did, but remember your friend list.
I felt lucky and spoiled that if the weather is great you can go for a short drive to the Radley park and wander by the river, or go a tad further to the channel either Hospital/Alcan beach or drive to down Kitimaat Village road to the bay and soak up the smell and listening to the sounds of the ocean.
When I arrived here, at night when I was trying to sleep there was the sounds of snow removal crews removing snow several times a night. Then the sounds of the hot water heat pipes in the apartment. They sounded like metal loving wood peckers or smashing frozen metal....and you could hear the sea gulls out side too...today I hear, birds churping, and skate boarding at night...
Well, its 7pm, the day at work is done. We said our farewells, we had some tears ( mostly from me !) And a few surprise treats as well. I feel as though I just arrived, and I feel like I am nearly rooted. I miss my home, home being my family, my familiar things, my children and grandchildren and my comforts....and yet.....
I ' d like to thank these people for their support. And the people of Kitimat, for their open arms, moral support, laughter and wonderful memories and scenery..To the Dollar Store Chixs of Kitimat ..we Rock...!!
Until the next adventure, the next time I need to run away...or until the next great idea for a bog........... Jewels Journal.
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