downtown fresno blog

Posted by Sol Eufracio

Dearest Fresno,

Today is our anniversary. And although you haven’t gotten me flowers, or made a big to-do about it, I know you haven’t forgotten. Today marks two years of living life a little on the edge, growing to love you more than I thought, and making some really great friends.

We first met the summer of 2008. I spent six weeks learning about your beautiful Fulton Mall, Downtown as a whole, and I felt something stir deep inside my soul. I didn’t want to leave. Did you know I bawled my eyes out when I left?

In 2010, after a minor heartbreak, I decided I needed to come back to you. I quickly figured out that my love for you hadn’t dissipated. And in these next six weeks, I realized one thing: I didn’t want it to end. I was figuratively hit in the face when a friend started talking about revitalization and the change that would come to Downtown. I didn’t hear the words he said, all I heard was ‘change’, and because I was so taken with you and your beauty, I was shocked. As I asked what the plan was, I realized I was too far gone in love with you, the people in your City, and the ways in which you charmed me (and continue to charm me still). I began to plot how I could be part of this change to let others know how awesome you are.

In 2011, I decided to commit. I decided to take the plunge and move here. And on June 15th, 2011, you welcomed me home. It’s a decision I haven’t regretted. Questioned, yes. Regretted, no. There’s always been a sense of ‘right-ness’ between you and I, our personalities, our love of a diversity of people, and the way folks are eager to connect here.

You’ve taught me what it means to stay in it when times are difficult. When you feel like no one understands, that you were utterly crazy to move to a place with little community, and when you learn that it’s all about ‘who you know’.

I’ve become quite stubborn when it comes to you, emphatically sharing your lovely traits to those from out of town, and beaming at the thought of you. Thanks for having great places to discover in unexpected places, for those unexpected places holding jewels of people, and for allowing me to become one of those jewels that will never cease to defend you and share our love.

Con amor,
Sol