Just want to send some love out to the people who've had my back from my teen years to now. My longtime chosen family who get me and who have seen me at my worst, and supported me and encouraged me during my struggles, are the ones whose words ring through to my soul and strip all else away when things get noisy. All you moral, upstanding, dignified humans, who don't cheat or lie or undermine or covertly hurt anyone else, are my heroes. I love you all for so many reasons, but right now I'm so very grateful simply for you just being there. — You Know Who You Are

BIG shout-out to my D&D group. It's always the highlight of my week being able to spend a few hours with you, creating a story together. I thank you as well for all the emotional support y'all give me when I'm feeling down. I couldn't ask for a better group of players and friends. — Level 31 Dungeon Master

We bicker, we disagree, but at the end of the day, I love you and you love me.
—(Naïve) Best Friend

Thank you for my bottle of wine! It is greatly appreciated, especially after the day I endured today. I don't know which one of you it was from, but thank you.
—A Grateful Colleague

I never thought I’d meet anyone that I loved like I loved her. I thought that the days of butterflies were long behind me. Never did I expect for you to be the one I wanted to stay up with late at night. Wake up beside. And kiss every day for the rest of my life. If only I could tell you these things, but you’re my best friend.
—Girl With Luv

Growing up in Ontario and raised by a well-read and well-travelled family, I was always encouraged to travel somewhere alone, where I had never been before and to live there for awhile. You know? Really do some soul searching and rediscover myself all over again while learning to love myself even more. Truthfully, in the past I secretly despised myself and others for whining and complaining over the things that would not matter five minutes from now. And as most people know, us Ontario people "Love to Bitch." But I have no complaints about Nova Scotia.

Honestly, I have been making up excuses not to leave here because every time I get teary eyed, and I never get teary eyed about leaving a place or a person ever. There are many wonderful and inspirational people who all struck a chord with me one way or another, and suddenly I did not feel alone in this world. Then after a while I was able to actually focus on the good in myself so I could eventually love myself more and not settle for less.

Yes, sure I messed up and had blunders on the way. But I am "Ontario shameless" like that and own my shit. You guys should too. You are too modest and all of you deserve so much better. From my friends to my foes, I love you all and will miss you whenever I leave the province.
—T.

To the guy we met on our first night of vacation: It was heartwarming to hear about your adventures as a father. You seem to put a lot of work into giving your son the best life. Thanks for telling us about the sloth exhibit and for inviting us to crash his birthday party there. It was a highlight of our trip!
—The Montreal Therapists

Last year was a hard year for me—something you seemed to know without even asking. Your departure was so unexpected. I thought I'd have forever to thank you for everything you did to make it bearable; The fun projects, the opportunities, just stopping to chat in your busy day. It's been weeks now, but you are still thought of, missed, and I will always be thankful. I really hope you see this and know how much I appreciate everything you did for me.
—Tech whiz

Thank you fellow classmates for reaching out to ask me a question when you struggle. I feel very smart when I can help answer your questions, even if it's just something simple. It makes me feel useful. Secret is, I struggle with some sort of un-diagnosed learning disability. I'm not sure what it might be—I just know I take longer to learn than all of you. I have to read a sentence two or three times before I can understand what I'm reading. I also can't always explain what I know, but I can pick the answer out if I see it on paper. I am trying super hard to keep up with all of you. I want to succeed, I really do. So thank you for asking me for help. It makes me feel needed.
—Future healthcare worker

Living with you two ladies is a gift sent from above. Kitchen haircuts, being able to freely walk around in my underwear, drinking beers and eating chips and watching Broad City... life doesn't really get much better. Kweens of my heart! —Local Girl Loves Pals