Oh, How I Miss You, Niagara Falls

This is an article using Niagara Falls as a metaphor for friendships. 

Niagara Falls – you’ve always been my favorite place. 

You were the place that I would go to during my childhood. I remember going back each year, being more fascinated by you. From the ocean waves to the roaring mists, you were like a magical kingdom to me. You were like Arendelle, and I was like Elsa. I remember standing there, hearing and watching you. And seeing a rainbow appear above you. 

You were the place that represented adventure. When I was a teenager, I drove towards you with my family. We were going across to the States. But while crossing the Rainbow Bridge, I can’t help but look at you. Niagara. 

But like every best friend, I remember when we never talked to or visited each other. 

When I started high school, I last visited you in grade 9. The visit was for a class field trip. And you guessed it – the field trip was for geography. 

We visited Table Rock, went to the souvenir shop, and snuck into a mini cinema. We watched the story behind the Falls while participating in some fun simulation activity. We got splashed twice by the water. When we exited the simulation, we headed back towards my high school. And I don’t know what happened, but I forgot about you. 

I was too focused on the twists and turns of my life. Too many obstacles appeared at once. And I felt I was hurtling through all of them. It seemed as if I was running a sprint and a marathon simultaneously, trying to figure out the direction of my life, all at once. 

When I got out of high school, the challenges exasperated. I was no longer a child. I was an adult, trying to navigate the difficulties of growing up. I could no longer be the kid who goes on field trips. And I was constrained by my time and limits. I had to work, go to my shifts, and earn money to pay my bills.

But fortunately, I found myself returning to you four years later. 

Surprisingly, I was coming because of my work. I had to supervise a group of teenagers, and they happened to be going there. 

I signed up for the job, and off I went. Paying for my Go Train tickets, waiting for the train to arrive, and boarding it. 

Three hours later, I found myself in front of you. I remember walking past plenty of shops and new restaurants that have appeared since I last saw you. 

But I also remember seeing some hotels demolished, with words and letters removed.

The Niagara I saw was different from the one I remember. But regardless of that, I was drawn closer to you.  

Every year, I would visit you more than once. Just to check up on how you’re doing. Just for us to have a quick coffee chat, and catch up on our lives. While I write this, I’m planning our next meeting. 

Life’s been hectic. I’ve been busy, trying to pay my bills by taking on shifts every weekend. So I don’t have time to visit you. 

But regardless of how long I don’t visit you, Niagara Falls – please remember, I’ll never forget about you.

Featured image via Venti Views on Unsplash