The following post is a love letter to Saskatchewan. Part of a project to tell the world how awesome Saskatchewan is. www.wewishyouwerehere.ca

On June 15, 2012 (TODAY)  everyone is called to rally and send a massive love letter from Saskatchewan to the world. It could be a photo, video, tweet, blog post, song, video or other medium you come up.

Add your personalized message and the phrase #wishyouwerehere #saskatchewan and prepare to spread to the world.

The following is my love letter.

Dear Saskatchewan,
I remember when I was 17. I couldn’t wait to leave you. I was ready to venture out and explore the world. A few years later I was making my dreams come true. I packed my bags and boarded the plane to fly overseas and start a new Saskatchewan-free life. I was leaving behind the small town, the lack an anonymity and culture and I wasn’t going to look back and definitely not return to my rural roots … or so I thought …

It wasn’t until I found myself in the middle out outback Australia that I felt you pull on my heart stings.

If you love someone let them go, if they are yours they will come back to you.

Well Saskatchewan, I came back to you and although we have our moments when I think about leaving you again, I can’t. You have your hold on me. Not long ago I wrote about the strength of your pull and the beauty of your living skies. That was just part of it. While overseas I began to long for wide open spaces, for the place I called home and where everyone knew my name. As I traveled through nations that excelled at celebrating their identity and sharing their culture I started to realize how much the “Saskatchewan way of life” meant to me and how important it was for me to share that same pride.

Now, I am determined to share my love for you with the world. It is the least I can do for all you have done for me. The more I share about you the greater I appreciate what you have to offer. My heart swells when I drive through the rolling hills towards my husband’s childhood farm nestled into the hill landscape near Assiniboia (read one of our recent posts here).

A sense of peace flows over me as I dip through the Saskatchewan River Valley on my way home. You offer me serenity as I hike through the hills or drop my rod in an ice fishing hole at Lac Pelletier.

You taught me the importance of community and determination in the face of adversity / the importance of cheering for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders even when they aren’t contenders for the Grey Cup.

I look forward to many more years and even more memories together.

Love,
Elizabeth