This is the story of how I learned to cherish every moment.

It was late June, and my Mom decided to take us on a family vacation. She wanted to take my brother and me to Niagara Falls. I had never been to Canada before so I was very excited. 

I never liked going places unless I was visiting family. The thought of being in a different country scared me, even though I’ve visited many countries before. 

The morning we had to leave, I gathered my things and threw them into my suitcase. I wasn’t prepared like the rest of my family. I forgot to do my hair, brush my teeth and wash some of my clothes. I was so disorganized that morning. 

We were finally ready to leave the house. We packed the car with our bags, a cooler, and entertainment. We were set for a seven-hour trip. 

After seven hours, we were in beautiful Canada. The main reason I was so happy was that I could finally get out of the car. 

Once we got into our hotel room, I was too tired to go anywhere. I asked my mom if I could stay in the room by myself, but she said no. It surprised my family that we had only been in Canada for one hour, and I already wanted to go home.

We were all hungry for an actual meal, so we went to a restaurant. The waiter seated us near a window where you could see the beautiful Niagara Falls.

After that, we traveled around the area more to see everything. Fairs, arcades, shops, and restaurants were everywhere. People with their kids, friends, and pets were everywhere too. Everything was perfect. 

Almost everywhere we went, my expressions stayed dull. I let my insecurities get the best of my emotions and time with my family.

One day I would be happy to be there. The next, I would want to be left alone. I never understood how someone could be homesick after a couple of days away from home.

I was too scared to go out and face the world. To experience what life is like—too blinded to seek a new living.

It wasn't until we drove into Toronto to visit The First Canadian Place. Seventy-Two floors and approximately 1,165ft. 

We went to the very top of this building. I was so high up I couldn’t see the streets. The fog was blocking the view of the city.

Being up there gave me a sense of freedom as the world's troubles were weightless. The only thing that I could hear was the wind.

The same way we went up seventy-two floors, we came down. Walking back onto those city streets made me do a reality check. I was back on the ground. Back on the ground.

As we drove through the city, I noticed how grey it was. A sad scene almost. The grey cars, the grey streets, the grey people.