Tuesday 13 November 2007

The Day Has Arrived


Today, one chapter closes and yet another opens - that's life. And with those deep and meaningful philosophical musings out the way, I will tend to other thoughts....

For those who do not know, these past two and a half years have been spent living a dream - to live and immerse oneself in another country for at least a year - I have spoken about this dream before. Today, this particular dream ends and we commence the journey home to our native Australia - before indulging in a childhood dream of going to Disneyland.

We are merely tourists now. Prematurely, in the midst of psychological displacement concerning ones whereabouts, I entered into a museum guest book, under the heading of address "Australia". I have no address there as yet, but we had recently sold our family home and I was confused as to where I belonged. Do I belong in Australia? I don't know, we'll have to see. I have felt displaced for so long, and have spoken about this in the past also.

One thing is for sure, I am ready to settle - ready to commit to a locale, a residence, a community and a people - home is where you make it. Is it not, and under such pretenses, Canada....or more precisely, Ladner, British Columbia - quietly poised on the Fraser River Delta, has been home for us for the past two and a half years. Our children have grown up there, we have made some very good friends there, we have had experiences there that we would not have had otherwise. We laboured over a rotten house and made it respectable. I am going to miss the friends I have made and I am also going to miss the land.

On Friday I attempted to taken in the surroundings of Ladner one last time. It was Mister's last day of school and all my errands had been done, Missy Mopps and I had only to kill time before picking Mister up from school. It was a bright Fall day, clear blue skies and a fresh breeze that stung my cheeks. We meandered along the school route alley way that ran behind our old place, the poplar trees had recntly dropped a million leaves; it was like walking upon a thick golden carpet. I sighed and said "thank you", acknowledging the uniqueness of the moment.

Yesterday we had a terrible wind storm. The power was out from 6:30am until 10:30 am. We could hear things being tossed about in the gale. Early in the piece, curiosity got the better of me and I ventured out from under my cosy bundle of blankets to witness the trail of destruction first hand. Neighbouring trees bent unnaturally, in the wind; autumn leaves whirled frantically against the fury of the wind, like panicked villagers scrambling for cover admist a surprise ambushing by henchmen and plunderers, while low dark clouds raced across the sky like a team of wild horses. It was a delight upon the eyes and all I could do was stare in wonder.

I had hoped we might yet experience one last snow, but we are leaving just a tad too early, but if I allow myself some quiet time, I can see the white world outside that, which was once my window, and I can hear the dry crunch of snow and ice under my heavy boots as I walked, and the eerie stillness of a land shrouded in a cold blanket - the memory goes with me.

The lush green of this land; its vibrant boating and fishing community; the birds, particularly the geese and mallards, I will sorely miss. In the stifling heat of an dry Adelaidian summer, I have these images to reflect upon, and only experience will tell me if these thoughts, under such opposing conditions, become points of torture or relief - nonetheless, I am grateful of these experiences; of the opportunity to discover and live these moments and to take away these and many more memories. I will miss Canada, and hope to return one day soon, but for now, goodbye and thankyou.

14 comments:

strauss said...

Thank you all for your kind wishes and thoughts. To update on the temp accommodation, I have an expensive place booked and the possibility of something more affordable in the mix - panic is over. Thank you for your prayers.

Kathleen said...

Your farewell piece was lovely. I know you will take Canada in your heart...and I hope it calls you to return, if only for a visit. May we meet again!
God bless you and yours.

jeanie said...

Beautifully rendered, my dear - enjoy Disney and good luck on your return home.

Tracey said...

Oh boy I'm all teary reading that.

In anticipation of your arrival on Australian soil... "Welcome Home"

Muse said...

Thank you for sharing this journey. I think we all have enjoyed sharing it with you. I have a lump in my throat now. I know good things lie ahead for you.

Let me know when you are 'home'.

Love, H

Scotty said...

Hope you have a great trip (and a safe and uneventful one) - when you're on firmer ground, lemme know and I'll shout you and hubby and the kids to that lunch I promised.

Be well, take care.

Catherine said...

This was a tearjerker of a post!

Best, best wishes to you and your family, Strauss.

Ton said...

Kathy it's Ton - can you email me your new email address as I can't access my optus account. Please sned it to my ekit address. hope to hear from you soon so I can send you some pics!

writerwoman said...

Happy New Years!

From Poets Who Blog.

Kathleen said...

Hey girl...are you gonna post again? I hope we'll be able to enjoy your writings soon. Miss you!

The Brave said...

Hi Everyone, I have been silent I know. I don't seem to be able to sign on now that I am in another country...yes I did make it. I can't seem to change my email address to enable me to sign in so I have decided to start a new blog.Same name different address:
http//stillbrave@blogspot.com

The Brave said...

I meant http//stillbrave.blogspot.com
Geez I'm hopeless!

The Brave said...

God I am so STUPID
For the third and final time:
http://stillbrave.blogspot.com/
MAN!!!

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