It is not the mistakes of the past that draw us to our
history, but the richness of years gone that compel us to crane our necks
backwards through time.
Some cities are shallow; Tucson is
not one of them. Emotions are stirred by character, and these feelings form a
connection between resident and city. I have occupied a great deal of cities in
my day, but I feel that I actually got to chance to live in Tucson.
Properly, I have only been here a
little over a year- not long at all for a city whose informal history spans
around 300 years in total. But I’ve felt a part of this Old Pueblo as if I’ve
been here for a century. Perhaps, this is because some say I have an old soul. Possibly because of that
Tucson sees in me the same thing that I see in it; depth.
However, I know this to be untrue.
To compare myself to a place with such personality would only serve to insult
that place.
No, likely, the reason I feel
kinship with this place on a map more so than I do my own hometown at times, is
due to the fact that I respect this city and the heritage that comes with it.
There is an unspoken fact known only to those that have had the opportunity to
stay here long term; Tucson is truly a big town with a small town feel.
On occasion, it can be difficult to
pinpoint what draws individuals to a certain locale. For some it’s an affluent
lifestyle, others community, others still industry. Tucson offers all these
things to a degree, as well as a rugged charisma I have not experienced
elsewhere. Whether I am downtown visiting the upscale eateries, or navigating
the sand of Sabino Canyon, or even traipsing around 4th at one of
the local pubs, the age of Tucson shows itself. Of course, I mean this comment
in the way you would think of a mature actor from Hollywood’s yesteryear; graceful,
poised, confident, and oh so captivating.
I wish I could tell you that the
citizens of Tucson have rallied around me as well, in friendship and peace;
however that wouldn’t be true, not exactly.
Though, I am okay with that, for wherever I abide I’ve always adhered to
the simple rule of quality over quantity when it comes to forming any
relationships. In other words, this isn’t Tucson’s fault, it is merely my
nature. That being said, I do take great solace in the fact that I have met a
handful of close friends here that I believe will be a part of my life for a
long time to come.
It is because of all these things
that make saying goodbye so difficult. Regret fills my heart that distance
between myself and this city must increase. As my departure date draws
drastically nearer I can only think of the scenic memories that Tucson has
imparted: The sun rising over the summit of Mt. Lemmon, the imposing bronze
figures of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp, my home, my friends, and the woman I love,
and so many more.
I could go on, but I feel this city
would only be embarrassed if I were to sit and ramble about its high points for
too long. Tucson would take the attention as unwarranted and wave it away as
hyperbole.
Knowing this, I will close by saying
that riding off into the sunset is much harder to do when you’re leaving something
behind. Thank you Tucson for the memories.
