Dear Boston and all the people who have been in our lives:
Thank you for the (just shy of!) 17 Years! What a beautiful city this is. It was such a privilege to call Boston home. You were worst of times (cancer, other health issues, losing Chaucer and Dante, job losses/ unemployments on both ends) but you were mostly the best of times (meeting the best people, having Oliver, completing advanced degrees, advancing in our careers, growing as people). You quite literally saved my life.. While some memories are quite triggering, they are reminders of strength and perseverance. And I am filled with thanks having been in the right place at the right time .
Now here comes a waterfall of photos
Us in our early days here, circa 2008
17 years later and none of this is true now. I can get around easily. My threshold for cold is much improved. And I no longer hate the snow, even if it does become slushy the next day.
We lived in many interesting places: loud collegey-hipster ratty Allston to quiet Oak Square Brighton where neighbors were old and crusty and racist and held very dramatic Neighborhood Watch meetings, to an apartment community in Quincy that felt like a college campus for in-transition adults, to Brookline - first a quiet neighborhood off Cypress street to our current place right off Beacon Street. We chose Brookline for the schools. We were very fortunate to live here.
Living in this wonderful city also put us in close proximity to fun travels, such as Providence and Newport RI, White Mountains NH including nearby state parks within the foothills, and all of Maine (literally all of Maine is breathtaking but we only got to enjoy the coast!). Burlington Vermont and areas nearby were also amazing. New England is so freaking beautiful.
We became city people. We became budding hikers. We love fall festivities such as apple picking and finding the best cider donuts and apple crumbles. While we don’t have the accent (and neither does Oliver - sadly)- our transplantation was successful.
Here are some of my favorite NE travel adventures:
USS constitution, Charlestown MA (part of Boston)
Cape Elizabeth ME with Oliver in utero and out utero :)
Along the Kanc , NH
Acadia National Park
Rockport MA- first and last commuter rail 2008/2024
Fall festivities were truly the best ! Friends since high school - their first year in Boston and first time eating cider Donuts at Russell Orchards
Boston and New England were home and after tonight, it will now be a memory. A wonderful memory!
Words can’t really express by appreciation for all the people who’ve come into my life here!
I had the privilege of meeting the most wonderful students/residents/fellows/doctors and most especially coworkers who became my family- from EF Boston to MIT to Brigham and Women's Hospital to Tufts....
I also grew into motherhood with wonderful fellow moms from preshcool days at Little Corner Schoolhouse to the Driscoll School
I had amazing neighbors who kept me sane. I treasure every one of you.
And friends i made from friends...
It was an immense privilege and pleasure to be a part of your lives and I am grateful you are a part of mine.
Most of you were there for me during some (or many) of my worst of times and I can never repay you enough for your kindness and generosity. I don't think I could have gone through those times without you.
This is not a goodbye it’s a see you soon we will always keep in touch!
Only a scattering of photos —-
Was lucky to share MA residence with my cousin and his beautiful family
Awesome friends from my first job (EF) celebrate Oliver’s first bday!
My favorite Brookline mom and fierce advocate for kids who can’t advocate for themselves
CHHS class of 2001,2002 and 2003 at Bar Taco!
The best neighbor!
And many many more people who will always have my heart!!
Here are my favorite parts of the city:
The public garden, especially the weeping willows
Skyline from above and below
So it’s off to a new and wonderful life. Funny enough: Chicago was the first place to offer John a PhD spot , and it was Chicago, not NYC, that made Oliver city savvy. Our trip in 2017 was the first without a stroller, so he learned street smarts so he could run freely
@ the Chicago Bean in 2017
@ Condo closing
While bitter sweet our adventure is going to be great!
Our move out was planned nicely so that I could enjoy the last remnants of sights and sounds. I walked around old neighborhoods. In my last nights I existed like a tourist. I said as many goodbyes as I could.. I enjoyed the skyline, Fenway Park, the waterfront, shopping, and lots of good food.
Boston, we will miss you!
We will be a frequent visitor.
You will forever have our heart.
Oliver is ready to take over the transit system in a few years , so yeah we will see you soon
Love,
ME!
And side note to my darling husband- I am so proud of you! You brought us to Boston for your PhD now you are taking us to Chicago for an incredible career move! Ass Dean! Can’t think of a better partner in life. Looking forward to building new memories!
Cheers, Boston
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