I love Montreal. Love everything about it. The culture, the people, ( who AREN'T afraid to wear their emotions..), the food (ESPECIALLY the SWEET foods- Mmm Mmm...pecan sugar pies, maple spread, poutine...) the arts- EVERYWHERE, the COLORS in the fall, but most especially, I love the family I have there.
I've lost both my grandparents this year, most recently, my Mimi (grandma), last week. They were married for 60 years and although I'm very sad that they're gone, I'm happy knowing that they are together again. I've had the opportunity to get to know both sides of my mother's family this year, and what a treasure they are. Achille, Claudette, Jean-Guy, Tante Louisianne, Jeff ( you rock, and I love ya, cuz...thanks for the day) and so many others.
You know when you just feel whole, when you feel like you're finally 'home' amongst you own? My mom's always tried to explain to me what 'Montreal' means to her, how she's always felt a little out of sorts living here in the west. I never truly understood. But, I do now. I get it. And I've felt it, authenticity. And I will hold onto that- always.
This has been a year of loss, yet I've gained so much, and for that I will always love Montreal. A piece of my heritage, a piece of me.
Pour toi, mon cousin.....xoxo
