To the lady with red hair in Lower Sackville. Thank you for your nice words and I'm sorry I almost made you miss your stop, but I must admit I am a smidge confused. You came up and touched my arm and told me that "it takes great courage." Thank you again, but I didn't know what the context was and why, but again thank you? Hope you have a nice day!
—Malh

To the beautiful soul I shared a drink with at the airport, a seat in the rocking chairs and all those beautiful moments in between. I may never see you again, but the imprint you had on me will stay with me always. I want to stay with you in that other world.
—Rock Girl

Big shout-out to the Sean Connery lookalike who I think is in charge of security at Citadel Hill. Our little guy was looking at a long stay in the hospital. He has a little boy's fascination with big guns, so on the way to the IWK we stopped to tour the fort when it was all closed up. Let's just say Sean bent the rules a little bit and made a little boy's day a little less scary.
—Mom

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 person who returned my student ID: I was on my way to a school event (where I actually needed to present it) when I realized it must have fallen out of my pocket. I backtracked and was frantically texting my roommate when you walked up and held it out to me. I asked your name, but was too flustered to remember it, or to really thank you properly. I have no idea how you managed to find it on such a windy evening, but thank you!
—Grateful Student

A couple of weeks ago you were walking by Garden Food Bar and smiled at a dorky trans-girl with big glasses and long hair. You were wearing a long jacket and had a beautiful smile. I just wanted to say thank you, you pulled me out of a bit of depression and gave me butterflies in my stomach.
—A Real Dork

To the Good Samaritan who turned in my phone to the Tim Hortons on Quinpool Road, a huge thank you! Props to the friendly staff at Tim’s for their help as well, they seemed just as pleased as I was! You all saved me from some Double Double trouble. Thanks again!
—Not-so-smart Smart Phoner

To the tiny espresso shop with the biggest heart: you are all the best. For real—the best. My daily morning (and sometimes afternoon) coffee is now a pivotal, non-negotiable part of my routine because of your smiles, jokes, warmth and kindness. A day without you is always sad, boring and painfully un-caffeinated.
—Weirdo Forever

Thank you to the person who picked up my bank card as I zipped out of the Main Street gas station off to Martinique Beach on Wednesday. After basking in the sun and floating in the waves, I went to buy a bottle of craft beer and discovered my bank card missing (thank you credit card for funding the beer on the deck). Usually my card is tucked somewhere and I discover it a few hours later, but this time I was baffled because I knew I had to take it out of the gas pump in order to start pumping gas. I almost didn't bother returning to the gas station but I am glad I did! The clerk was excited because she said she never gets to return lost cards and I jumped up and down for joy (literally). I don't know which of us was happier. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
—Fill Yer Boots With Good Karma

To the lesbian couple holding hands on Quinpool Road last Friday: I was walking to school and passed you on the sidewalk. As a closeted teenager, seeing you made acceptance feel like a reality.
—Thank You