Tag Archives: EU Citizens

Goodbye Britain

Updated on

18/05/2023 by author

A wonderfully poignant love letter by Ewa Lewecka on her emotional decision to return to Poland, leaving behind years of living and contributing to Britain. Goodbye Britain. Very best wishes to you Ewa in whatever you choose to do next.

Dear Great Britain / the UK, England…or whatever,

If life has taught me one thing, it’s that the relationships you have are the most precious things you can possess. When life has a habit of turning upside down it’s the close relationships that are there to support you and drag you back out again.

I’m not perfect. I can be stubborn, and I’ve made fair amount of mistakes in the past. Some friendships have lasted and some haven’t. I always expected you to be in my life because you’re my oldest friend but you’ve taught me that some people are just not destined to stay in my life.

I’ve known you for so many years that, for some time, it wouldn’t even enter my mind that we would one day never speak again. We shared so many experiences and created memories that I’ll never forget, but there comes a time when two people start to grow apart. We start to realise that just because the friendship is old, doesn’t mean it’s worth holding on to. Our lives move in different directions, our thoughts and beliefs change and we can no longer keep up with the old versions of ourselves. I feel this happened for us a long time ago and since then you’ve not been there for me.

We are all constantly learning and growing but at some point life took us down separate paths. I tried to support you in your time of need but I barely got the same back. You were busy with Brexit when I needed you the most and your absence gave me time to reassess the value we now give to each other.

I can’t say I’m not hurt but neither of us are at fault. We meet new people and they consume more of our time, we start new relationships that take us onto the next step in life and leaving behind the old. I’m part of that old for you and you for me. Some of the best memories I have are the ones I shared with you but that’s all they are – memories. We haven’t created any new ones for so long now and life has moved on. I’m not angry. I understand.

I want to thank you for coming into my life and teaching me how to laugh and cry in ways no one else has. I want to thank you for being the first real friendship I ever had and teaching me what great friendship is.

It’s time to accept the truth – we don’t need each other anymore. What I’ve learnt now is that life is short and precious and it should be full of people who deserve the best of me and people who don’t take advantage of my support and trust. Breaking up with a friend is never easy but somehow you’ve made it easy for me now.

You will always have a special place in my heart and I’ll sit, wondering and hoping you’re out there happy and content. After all, you’ve helped me become the person I am today and, for that, thank you Britain.

Goodbye Britain.

Check out ‘Orphaned by Brexit’

And now … to my friends on Facebook.

We have never met (actually we have) but I really had a special bond with many of YOU. We shared a lot together, we were angry, we laughed, we supported each other politically and emotionally, we marched together, swore, shouted and cried. I really love you and respect you.

YOU helped me to survive the darkest days in this country.

As you might have already heard of, I’m leaving Britain tomorrow.

I know it’s such a shame of me to leave you alone like this, especially at this time of chaos and when your relationship with nearly all your neighbours is broken.

Many people, outraged, said this country failed to represent you because you were supposed to be the brightest star in the EU.

Many of you gave me a sense of protection, safety and comfort because you’ve been hit hard by Brexshit, COVID, scandals that left many of you bruised and battered, becoming less vigorous as you used to be – still, I have no regret about spending that horrid time here just to see you up close and share your grief.

I think that crazy pandemic time would not be bearable without you. All the things we’ve been through together create a memory in which you are inseparable.

It’s you who gave me opportunities to relax, to laugh, to wait for better days. You showed me a whole new world where my eyes were open in a way as though I was once blind. I have become more critical, independent and confident.

I will never ever forget this journey and the time we spent together. I believe the link is too strong to fade away no matter how much time wears on.

Gosh, I didn’t intend to be this sentimental and affectionate, I thought all I want really was to turn my back and run towards home exuberantly with the least possibility of shedding a single drop of tears.

But I have to admit; when writing this letter, I got quite emotional.

Perhaps saying goodbye to someone important is never easy, even though I felt like I was more than ready this time.

I believe one day at some point not far away from now on, I will see you again. Hopefully, in different circumstances.

TORIES OUT!!

Yes, you know me so well.

As for now, I’ve got to move on, turn the page and start the next chapter of my life.

Nonetheless, I’ll still be following up what’s new about you. So, keep in touch. There’s going to be more challenge for the years to come. Please stay safe and take care.

And before I make my final farewell to you (not lightly), could you pretend I’m standing right in front of you smiling and saying good bye for now and hopefully see you soon, also in the EU.