This is a love letter, a thank you note, and sadly a goodbye to Columbus, Ohio.
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Dear Columbus, you have been my home for the past 12 years. You have cared for me in times of trouble. You have given me adventure. I’ve discovered my passion and dreams under your cloudy skies. You’ve given me the values of the Midwest and taught me to always be affable. I’ve learned from you that to cheer for Ohio State is to be the outsider to the rest of the college sports world. But lets be honest, Go Buckeyes till I die. Sit down SEC and other Big Ten fans, we made Nick Saban cry and you didn’t and that’s what matters. Back on track now. You shared with me just how divine of a gift coffee is at Stauf’s in Grandview. The best ice cream is not Ben and Jerry’s but truly Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. The best lake jump isn’t in the country but during Michigan week in November into Mirror Lake on campus. I’ve learned from you a perfect night is gallery hop night in the Short North. You taught me to always support local business whenever given the opportunity. The best cider is clearly the Columbus born Mad Moon Cider. The best meal doesn’t come from a high end restaurant but is a gyro from Dan’s Deli. You have given me incredible friends and companions (looking at you Jason, Jordan, AJ, Katherine, Derek, and James).
But the greatest gift you have ever given me, Columbus, is that on your streets and in your districts, I first heard just how deeply loved I was by Jesus Christ. It took a summer camp in Virginia for me to really understand it. But it was in your coffee shops and in your schools that the seed of the Gospel was planted. I could say thank you a thousand times and in a thousand different ways but that would not be enough to share my appreciation for having heard the Gospel in your city limits.
Its time Columbus. Its time to leave your caring embrace and go on an adventure. No stop that. You can’t start crying, Columbus, because if you do then I’ll start choking up. And lets be real, nobody wants to see that. Know and hold on to the love we share Columbus. I’ll always have a piece of you with me. No really I’ve been collecting (stealing) bricks from your different districts. We’ll just gloss over that. But its time. The world is crying out for the Gospel and I must answer its call. With that I say my goodbye old friend.
I love you Columbus,
Kyle Cardinal
