I am in Kelowna, home of my mother’s teenage years.  Her brothers and cousins are still here. I am staying in Westbank with a friend, in her home that overlooks the lake. The temperatures are so much kinder here than in my home province of Manitoba. I woke up yesterday to a bright and sunshiny day, with the the little bit of snow that is here melting.  I always feel as if I am stepping back in time, into a great big box of memories when I am here. I spent many a summer here as a child, and have wandered back as an adult. 

Yesterday I visited with my family, drove past the place where my grandmother’s house used to stand several times, and ended the day by heading up the mountain to my mother’s cousin’s home where as children we spent hours running around their fruit farm or sitting in front of the player piano, giggling as the magic instrument played. Those were magnificent days.

Now I am here and aware of the fragility of life. Many of the elders are unwell. Cancer is whispering annoying words to two of them. A stroke has limited a third. However the laughter and good conversations have not stopped.  We are happy to be together again and revisit some of the past joys. 

When was the last time you took a trip back to a happy place of your childhood?

Peace,

Suzanne