I had all but given up on persuading my parents to leave Barrie. They're quite elderly now and could benefit from having me around to help them out. Much as I love them, I absolutely refuse to move back to Barrie. They've had a while to think about it, and it was a tough choice - partly because moving is such a hassle and expense. But, they've finally decided to leave Barrie. They really don't have any attachment, roots or fond memories of the city. It's just a place they've lived in since the 1990s.
The snow clearing is a lot for them to handle at their age now. My mother no longer drives any further than 5 minutes away to the bank or supermarket (good thing, with all of the crazy drivers in Barrie, I seriously stress about about both of my parents getting injured or killed in an accident). Any further than a 5 minute drive, and my mother gets my father to drive her. Not that I want to see him wracking up the miles driving around Barrie (or anywhere really).
My mother has a sister living in Barrie (my aunt and uncle). Aside from them, they really know nobody else. They haven't made any meaningful friendships or have an connection to the city. None of us are from Barrie. My aunt and uncle have lived in Barrie since the early 1980s when he got a job transfer. But my parents moved to Barrie as retirees. I think they've finally realized that Barrie is not the ideal city for retired folks, especially the very elderly (mom is 77, dad is 83).
I'll have to bite the bullet and stay in Barrie for a weeks, maybe a few months to help them get the house ready for sale and then with the move. But it will be worth it! No more trips to Barrie to come and visit them! A bit of short term pain for long term gain. We'll probably all move to a city where there is far less snow and more senior-friendly, as well as a city that I can live with. Ideally that would be somewhere outside of Ontario, but as long as it's not Barrie, I'll be happy. In fact, the further away the better! Somewhere in British Columbia or the southern US would be nice, but we'll see what we come up with.
Despite the snow, I've always liked the West Island area of Montreal. I went to university in Montreal and love the city. But, I speak French, my parents don't. There are some very English areas, but my mother is not fond of the area and we need to pick a place that all of us can agree on. I myself would rather be in a sunny climate down south during the winter months, as I'm definitely not a winter person (even though I've put up with it for years, not to say that I like it).
I always dread having to come to Barrie to visit my parents. It's not like I have any fond childhood memories, nor does it feel like home (because it's not). For years I've been praying that my parents would come to their senses and move out of Barrie. Finally, my prayers have been answered! I suppose every city has some positive attributes, but as you can tell, I have a hard time finding any about Barrie. That city is definitely not for everyone. When I come to help my parents get the house ready for sale and with the move should be the last time I ever have to set foot in Barrie. You have no idea what a huge weight that will be off my shoulders. I've been feeling really bad that I'm not around to help my parents. I owe it to them, but just couldn't bring myself to moving back to Barrie. Now I won't have to. Well, once they've sold the house and moved. I'm really looking forward to that day!
Once my parents move out of Barrie, I really won't have much of a connection to the city. But, I'll still keep this blog up and more and more people are stumbling upon it and finding it useful and/or entertaining, or just a place to vent. Others find it a relief to know that they're not alone in their dislike for the city. For all of you who are currently in Barrie (and it seems to be people who moved to Barrie, and weren't raised there), I truly hope you are able to move away soon. It's a great feeling! And if you're thinking of moving to Barrie, make sure it's the right city for you! It's not for everyone.
