Almost 18 years ago, I moved to Orillia. Where I knew nobody but my soon-to-be roommate. I didn’t have a job lined up, I didn’t have any money in savings. In fact I had quite a bit of student debt. But I was tired of living at home and needed a change.
Fast forward a few months after my first job ended (the Sundial Inn was not long for this world, and its demise had nothing to do with me coming to town), and I wound up finding myself working at the local call centre in town.
I had no idea what I was getting myself in to, but I was doing a decent job at my job and at making friends. Some of them are still good friends to this day.
Including this gem of a woman who I got to see again tonight, along with some of her adorable grandchildren.
Merry, you may not have known it then, but your friendliness and kindness helped this young twenty-something feel at ease while they navigated the challenges of life and being 300KM away from home. I’ve cherished the wisdom you shared with us back then, especially during all those car rides, and that whirlwind day trip to Toronto.
It was such a joy to see you again tonight. Thank you for being part of my story back then, and for still being just as lovely now.
Here’s to more reunions, more stories, and maybe even another whirlwind road trip someday.