Can you fall in love with an intangible thing?
I fell deeply in love with the abyss of the arms of my city, Port Coquitlam. I fell deeply in love with the beauty that surrounds us everywhere, the serenity of the mountains, the lush foliage that stretches to the horizon as far as our eyes can see. I fell deeply in love with those days when the sun doesn’t shine and dark clouds envelop us, and I rediscovered my love for the color grey.
There is just something magical in the air, a lingering presence of something hopeful, something joyful… that you just can’t touch, but that you know is there, guiding you, watching over you, but not physically present with you.
It sees you when you are sad, when you are lost, when you are angry.
You feel his presence when you close your eyes and let yourself be overwhelmed by this feeling that makes you stronger, happier and more hopeful…
I moved to PoCo in March 2023 and I still remember the feeling of instant edification when I walked into our rental apartment. I didn’t have a job, having come here as an immigrant, leaving my birthplace to start a new life.
Even though I was going through the most difficult time of my life, finding a job and making a living, I suddenly realized how lucky I was to be standing here and calling this place my home.
PoCo did not disappoint me and I found comfort in his chest like a child seeks happiness in the warm embrace of his mother!
On every street corner, something caught my eye and my mind made up stories about it. I remember on my sad days, walking all the way to Lafarge Lake in neighboring Coquitlam or just being outside my house.
PoCo welcomed me with open arms and comforted me. He told me that everything would be OK. That I was not alone.
Humans have this innate ability to survive! They can make any place they live their home – if they so desire.
I see people every day who either choose to make PoCo their home or just live there. I know I’ve been lucky to be able to make a living and call PoCo my home, and I also know that not many people share my opinion or have a completely different story to tell.
But I’ve come to the conclusion that good things don’t last forever, so why not take this opportunity to appreciate something before things change? Because change is the only constant, right?
And here I am, a year later, raising my glass with a heart full of love, so much love that I want to give back to my city. I look up at the sky and the beauty around me and send out a whisper that only she can hear – thank you!
Thank you for accepting me, for giving me a place in your abundance and for filling me with so much joy!
In the coming days, I plan to immerse myself in your rich culture and history, paving ways for discovery as I let you guide me through time.
– Monisha Kumar, Port Coquitlam
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