hello dolly

” There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged, and seeing the ways in which you yourself have altered” – - – Nelson Mandela.

That has been, for some time now, one of my favorite quotes. I find it to be very true in my own life, over and over and over again.  Time doesn’t standstill, and people are constantly growing and changing. But some things continue to remain the same.

It used to be that I came to Vancouver at least once, if not more, every year. My cousins there have seemed as close to us as immediate family. They’ve had a major influence in my life, and I have become more comfortable in my own skin because of them. Around them, its always been okay to quote something obscure, break into a random song from an old musical, or do a voice impression for no reason whatsoever. It was alright to be a little odd, even weird. I miss that, always. There are so many times where I think, this would be so hilarious, if only there were someone here to get it.

We’ve definitely come a long way from the kids we used to be in the home videos. And we have all turned into our own person, and have become different and even more unique from each other. But some things never change.

This time, it had been a while since I was last here. Over a year ago, I suppose, and alot has happened. It seems like forever, but it also seems like no time at all.

When I’m here, I still get that feeling. The feeling of a sort of home, or belonging. Everything is really still the same, its just grown a little older, maybe a little wiser. This place is so many things to me. I consider myself very lucky to have such a place in my life, when so many people never find the people or a place that can make them feel, and remember who they are.

Sometimes, it takes returning to that place to realize just how far you’ve come.

Hello, Dolly. . .

It’s so nice to have you back

Where you belong

One more time, fellas. And that movie will never get old.