Dear American Friends,
Do you know how good you have it? Because sometimes, I think you forget.
I know, I know. The styles have gotten a little over the top and the store layout could use some work, but you know what? Just be happy you have those things to complain about.
You see, here in Canada–we don’t even have Target.
We did. For two years. Two very lovely, very exciting, but very short two years. It was the days when my belly was growing faster than I could reach down to my toes. Oh how thankful I am that Target was there for me in that scary, unknown time. Those maternity clothes are ones I will never forget. They really fit you know? It was like Target made them just for me. On top of that, I now had a place that I could truly count on for baby prep. I mean, their nursery décor fit my pink and grey chevron theme impeccably. It was something a year ago we would have only been able to imagine here in Canada.
Then came my first newborn. Days that I remember as “the glory days.” Days of strolling around with a sleepy newborn, a Starbucks latte in hand, my cart piled high, giving little smiles and knowing nods to fellow new mamas along the way. How life with a newborn really should be. Days of true bliss, but days that were numbered. Oh how I wish I hadn’t taken those days for granted so easily.
It’s true our prices weren’t near as good and (if you can imagine) the layout was even worse than Target’s American counterparts. The shelves were often empty and you could hear a mouse walking through the store at the best of times. But I found joy there. I found a sense of, “Yes, this is where I belong,” and, “Yes, I can do this motherhood thing.” as long as Target was there for me, as long as I had this one place I felt I truly belonged.
But, it didn’t last. Target closed its doors in Canada, and my heart was torn in two. Shattered on the ground in a million pieces. I’d had so much faith in this entry into Canada. So much hope . . . and all was loss. Just like that.
Back I was to hoping for the next trip to the States just to roam the aisles of a beloved Target. Back I was to imagining better days with better shopping, stores where we Moms really feel like we belong. Most of all, back I was to dreaming of grabbing a latte in the middle of a shopping trip, a shopping trip where I can buy absolutely everything I needed or wanted to.
Back I am to dreaming of better days.
Because right now, in Canada? There is no hope–no hope for future Targets. All we can do is look at the pictures, read the stories, live vicariously through our American friends, and count the days until our next trip over the border.
So, dear friends, I know. I know Target is changing and maybe change is hard for you. But just remember, you have it good. You have it so good. Next time you roam through the aisles of Target in your yoga pants, with your sleeping babe and your Grande latte, checking out the latest styles and the latest Chip & Joanna Home Decor line, please think of us Canadians. Maybe have a moment of silence, maybe send one you know a message of love, or maybe buy that new jumpsuit that just came out in honor of us. We would appreciate it more than you know.
Love,
A Target-less Canadian