To the Editor:
I shall be moving away in mid-August and can't possibly reach all those with whom I have worked, or come into contact with, when serving on committees or boards; singing in choirs; performing in Thompson Playhouse; sharing the stage in concerts; colleagues from my years when on city council and those with whom I have interacted in the day-to-day business of life.
This is daunting and I have little time. However, I do not want to just disappear and 'walk' away, seemingly with nary a nod to anyone. Thirty-nine years is a long time, and yet seems to have gone by quickly. It is the longest that I have ever lived in one community.
It is difficult carrying on without the mainstay of my life in a community which knew Brian and I as an entity and it's hard learning to be a single person when it's not your choice which, I'm sure, some of you will understand all too well. However, I chose to stay in Thompson and carry on with my activities, particularly as a school trustee, which I've enjoyed and part of me wants to continue in order to work towards making learning more meaningful and challenging with an aim to "success for all," which is the District's motto.
The fact is I fell in love with a condo when visiting Winnipeg in the spring. I was not looking for one, not yet anyway, and I hadn't planned to move. The place felt so right and is very close to family and friends.
It will not be easy to leave Thompson: I love my home and its location; I have good neighbours; I have friends in my home church and within various organizations. This has been my home community, in which I feel a sense of ownership. But now it's not enough. I need to start a new chapter in my life and be able to be around for my grandsons. Living in Winnipeg will also be easier, and cheaper, to visit the rest of my family in Quebec, Saskatoon and England.
I would like to take advantage of my "senior" status and leave you with some thoughts
Have pride in your community and appreciate those who work hard to improve it. Don't be quick to criticize unless you're prepared to do something about it. Accept the snow and don't moan about it! It is far, far better than mudslides, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. Yes, there are forest fires for which all must be vigilant. If you think about it, there is much for which to be thankful in the City of Thompson. God bless you all. I shall miss you.
Valerie WilsonThompson
