Rooted: A Goodbye Letter to Chicago

Chicago, you rooted me down while lifting me up. Providing the nourishment I needed since I was a little stump. I’ve grown so much over the years and now ready to brave a new frontier. My root system traces back for generations. Sprouting offspring that remained planted for decades while weathering life’s gyrations. For most of my time I thought I’d stay grounded too. But the time has come to cultivate fresh soil to sow some seeds anew. The uprooting is stirring sadness deep in the dirt of my soul. Separating from my forest causing me to question if I’ll still be whole. Realizing why it’s so painful to say farewell is because the amount of strong oak trees I was surrounded by was so plentiful. The sadness is sure to come and go even after I depart, however my Chicago roots will forever remain entwined around the frame of my heart.