I arrived in Hong Kong 69 days ago with a broken heart.

But as I wait a few more hours to be reunited with my young children and husband in Vancouver, my experiences — good or bad — in the past two months are finally making sense.

Maybe I had to be back so I can spend more
time with friends who are like family before I
bid goodbye to my home city of nine years.

Maybe I had to be back so I can again
experience the generosity of friends who
willingly and literally opened their doors for
me to make me feel at home again in the city.

Maybe I had to be back so I can meet new
friends – some who recently arrived in the
city, some planning to leave the city – but all
willing to offer kind ears and fun cheers to
drown my woes and celebrate small wins.

Maybe I had to be back so I can say a proper
farewell to my colleagues who I truly enjoyed
working with and some who proved to be
more than just workmates!

Maybe I had to be back so I can personally
congratulate and celebrate upcoming
parenthood adventures of dear friends.

Maybe I had to be away so I can have more
appreciation and love for our
family in Vancouver who helped take care of
my husband and children in my absence.

Maybe I had to be away so I can give my kids time alone with their Papa and a chance to learn how to be more helpful at home.

Maybe I had to be away so I can clearly see
how lucky I am to be married to my darling
husband who managed it all without me.

And maybe I had to be away so I can have a
moment on my own – to know for sure what
and who really makes me whole no matter
where I am in this world.

So today, I am leaving Hong Kong for good… but I’m carrying with me a very grateful heart.