On this day, 3 years ago, I met Justin while visiting my cousin in Winnipeg (incidentally, I was on my way to work at IMC, where I will be going in 3 days). We hit it off immediately, we decided to date despite the distance (he in Winnipeg and I in Saskatoon). We made the commitment to making a long-distance relationship work, and we stayed together for just over a fantastic 2 1/2 years. Sure, we had our problems, and sometimes we argued past the point of no return, but overall we had a great relationship. A friendship, a romance, and a definite bond.
We broke up mutually at the end of January of this year. It was definitely the right move for both of us. And so now today, on our would-be 3 year anniversary, I have decided to reflect on a relationship that taught me so much and changed me in ways that I could have never imagined. So this one is for you, Justin, my friend.
We broke up mutually at the end of January of this year. It was definitely the right move for both of us. And so now today, on our would-be 3 year anniversary, I have decided to reflect on a relationship that taught me so much and changed me in ways that I could have never imagined. So this one is for you, Justin, my friend.
(In Prince Albert - winter 2005)
(Road trip - on the way back to Saskatoon - Christmas/New Year's 2005)
(Visiting Winnipeg on a day off from IMC - summer 2004)
(Justin's 21st birthday - August 2004)
Throughout our relationship, Justin and I shared some pretty ridiculous moments that can only be captured through photos:
(An outrageously tacky charicature drawn by that crazy man at the Forks - hahaha, does this look familiar Diane? - fall 2004)
(Dressed up in drag for Dave's going-away party - He was going to "Queens" University, so it was only appropriate! - Late summer 2005)
(Vikings at the Forks - October 2004)
(Justin and I were there to support each other always, even when the other one was so drunk that he/she drooled on the other - Justin's b-day - August 2004)
Above all, Justin and I were friends. We could talk about anything to each other at any time, and we genuinely enjoyed each other's company, and for that I am grateful:
(In PA in September 2004)
(At Karyn and Nook's wedding - July 2005)
(In PA - winter 2005)
Now we have both moved on and gone our separate ways. Justin has a new girlfriend, and I sincerely hope that they may bring each other happiness. Now I am about to embark on a life-changing adventure in just over a month, and I truly believe that my relationship with Justin has taught me to a be a stronger individual, capable of tackling anything that comes my way. With this new level of maturity, I feel that I will be able to face my New Zealand internship with a greater level of self-awareness than I could have even a year ago.
As I grow older (and I'd like to think wiser) I find myself becoming more appreciative of those people who have touched my life along the way. While Justin and I clearly were not meant to be together in the long run, I still value his friendship and I still cherish the time that we did have together.
Justin, if you're reading this, I hope you are doing well. Debbie, I miss you. I would love to get together for a girls' day in Brandon this month if it works with your schedule. Send my love to Ray and Brenda, Lorne and Rosada, Laurie and Monique, Brad, Laurie and Jeff and the boys, and of course, Lenny, that crazy dog. :o)
Growing up has certainly been a reflective process for me. So, as I reflect on today, our would-be 3 year anniversary, I give thanks to Justin and his family for helping to shape me into the person that I am and will become.
As I grow older (and I'd like to think wiser) I find myself becoming more appreciative of those people who have touched my life along the way. While Justin and I clearly were not meant to be together in the long run, I still value his friendship and I still cherish the time that we did have together.
Justin, if you're reading this, I hope you are doing well. Debbie, I miss you. I would love to get together for a girls' day in Brandon this month if it works with your schedule. Send my love to Ray and Brenda, Lorne and Rosada, Laurie and Monique, Brad, Laurie and Jeff and the boys, and of course, Lenny, that crazy dog. :o)
Growing up has certainly been a reflective process for me. So, as I reflect on today, our would-be 3 year anniversary, I give thanks to Justin and his family for helping to shape me into the person that I am and will become.
2 comments:
I found that everyone I wasn't meant to be with helped me find the one I was meant to be with.
It's nice that you still get on. It sucks when relationships end up with people hating each other.
It's very true. I've never had a breakup that resulted in hatred on either end. I figure if you connect with someone enough to fall in love with them, then there's obviously something there that can be turned into a friendship.
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