Until we meet again

My dear Valley,

You raised me among mountains and rivers. The Colorado River will forever run through my veins.

You were the breeze that reminded me to breathe whenever I felt life slipping away from me.

I will return to you like a tourist searching for an escape from reality. And although I never stopped admiring you throughout more than two decades, I know I will continue to marvel at every corner, every curve of your mountains, every time you dress yourself in vibrant reds and the softest shades of purple.

I have cherished every part of you, and you have given me life’s greatest gifts.

A piece of me will always remain in your land, in every corner, in every first courageous step I took, and in every laugh I shared.

Your land holds my tears, and every wildflower holds my accomplishmaents.

You, my dear Valley, will forever be my greatest toxic love.

They say you have to leave you to truly grow, and I clung to the belief that here, among the songs of your birds and the sound of your flowing waters, I would become the best version of myself.

And don’t misunderstand me. You have given me my little one’s first steps, a beautiful family, and within you my love for life has flourished.

I will return, perhaps to reconnect with every trace of the love you planted within me.

I may be leaving you, but I know the way back. Your rivers are etched into my skin, and the scent of your breeze lingers with me still.

My dear Valley, I hope you can let me go, too.

I know that where I am going I will find small pieces of you — hidden in the sunsets, in trees disguised as palm trees and in the sound of rushing water beneath the noise of the crowds.

And I will carry a piece of you with me forever, in the curiosity you awakened within me and in the sense of wonder you taught me to embrace.

Until we meet again, my dear Valley.