I, along with the city, am feeling a wee bit lonely this morning. After enjoying the presence of several thousand visitors, their departure leaves an empty spot. I wanted to ask them: When will you be coming back?

First there was the buzz of close to 500 bicycle riders rolling their "vehicles" off the ferry to the welcoming sound of our local pipe band. About the same time, participants in our annual Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific (SOAP) arrived. I'm not sure of the numbers, but I estimate several hundred musicians, family and visitors came to master classes, private instruction and evening concert performances.

Then there was the third part of this wonderful trilogy: Kathaumixw. This week-long international choral festival attracts choirs from around the world. I attend as many concerts as possible but I can think of few events that match the power of the closing ceremonies' 1,000-voice choir. Watching the buses roll out this morning, I realized those children, youth and adults left a bit of themselves in our community. But even they weren't the hardest folk to bid farewell.

Just over a week ago, and within two days, we said goodbye to our two oldest granddaughters. Elizabeth headed to Ontario where she will begin work and soon, her university studies; Sarah was off to the interior of the province where she is on staff at the Army Cadet Camp. After just a few days home in August she heads to Saskatchewan and four years of nurses training. It's lonely around here.

I couldn't help but think of how the disciples felt when Jesus told them he was leaving them. "I'll send My Spirit to comfort you," he said. I treasure that comfort but so long to see Him once more, face to face.

Even so come, Lord Jesus.