Montreal, QC

I got this lighter ten years ago. It was a birthday present from the man I would eventually cheat on my partner with. Although at the time I was riddled with guilt, this act of betrayal led to me leaving an unhappy relationship, quitting my depressing job, getting my high school diploma, and escaping my small town. I am now in the process of getting my PhD, something I never thought possible.

The lighter broke soon after I received it but I kept it anyways. When I look at the lighter, I am reminded of how much everything has changed. I like that the butterfly also happens to be a symbol of metamorphosis.

Kingston, ON

One of my exes was musically gifted at multiple instruments and we used to all hang out with his friends and jam. This was a song that was easy enough for the whole group to be able to pick up a rock combo instrument and play. It was played at every jam session I had with him, but the first time I heard it was the night I fell for him and when we began our relationship. To this day I can’t listen to the song without thinking of him, but it usually evokes positive memories even though the relationship ended badly. He was a drummer, but always played the bass for this and acted ridiculously silly – and I loved every second of it. I hear him singing the chorus in my mind every time and see him standing with that bass at the mic in that tiny basement when time seemed to stop for a little while.

Edmonton, AB

I got it with my ex, my best friends and their boyfriends at the time of the Sasquatch Festival. We all got in to this car with silly hats to take a funny picture. It was at the Honda booth, and then we sat on a hill and listened to some great music. It was a great weekend! We were happy!