My dearest Chicago,

Our relationship seems to be coming to a quickly approaching end. While the last few years have been a mixture of 'love and hate,' I'm going to miss you. It's easier to remember the things I don't like about you....until I'm reminded of what it is I do love about you. This past weekend showed me just that, my feelings for you truly bittersweet. I don't even know where to start, but here goes....

I was a scared 24 year old when you stepped into my life. Full of hope and excitement with the possibilities you could give me, I stepped into the unknown of our relationship. I didn't how it would turn out, if you would be right for me. Of course, there's been hard times, but that's to be expected with any relationship. Overall, I can't help but reflect how much you've given me, loved me, changed me oh Chicago. You gave me the opportunity to learn at a phenomenal graduate school, intellectually and professionally. You gave me the encouragement and strength to become adventurous, more independent...a bold risk taker. You made me proud to be who I am, always challenging me to become more than I thought I could ever be....especially since I have become a therapist with the first professional job you gave me.

You introduced me to different cultures, lifestyles, and interesting people. And anytime a good friend I'd met left our little circle for another, you presented the opportunity for me to newer and even more rich, satisfying friendships with others over the course of our time together. I've enjoyed your beauty and diversity, as well as the spontaneity you've brought to my life. Most importantly, you've helped me grow so much. I never knew you could give me incredible strength of character, to exude such strong self-confidence. I know I'll be sad when I leave you, but know this much is true: The places you've taken me are priceless. No one can or shall replace how special you've been to me the last six years. I will spend my lifetime pondering the memories of us. Thank you my dear Chicago. I love you and don't worry....I will come back to visit you.

Love always,
Katie


"It's kinda like when you go on a vacation. You plan everything out, but then one day you make a wrong turn or take a detour. And you end up in some crazy place you can't even find on the map, doing something you never thought you'd do. Maybe you feel a little lost while it's happening, but later you realize it was the best part of the whole trip."
--Josh Charles' character Eddy in "Threesome"(1994)