‘Goin’ down the road,’ now that’s a good movie and even better SCTV sketch. This classic movie, if you haven’t seen it -and it should be considered mandatory viewing as part of citizenship, is about two Caper Bretoner’s heading west to ‘Toranta’ to find work. Tragedy eventually ensues and much is learned about place and people in troubled times. Very soon my little family will be, ‘goin’ down the road,’ but in reverse and for far better reasons. Yet, and maybe it’s because we are again facing tough economic times, I find myself thinking about this seminal Canadian movie and the seemingly inherent pull of the road for Maritimers - the need to leave and the greater call to return home. In days we’ll be loading up our little Mazda with 2 adults, 3 kids, and enough stuff to clothe and entertain a small nation. Loaded to the gunnels, we’ll brave weather, cranky two year old out-bursts and fried food as we head home for Christmas spent with family.
I won’t bore you overly with a long essay about the year that is passing into night as I type. It’s been a big year. A monster of a global economic crisis and an American Election of no smaller import than one that may have just changed the world I offer up as evidence for, ‘the big year’ designation. Lots to talk about in our small personal world as well – as equally a big a year, using of course the accepted calculus of self-centered myopia. I should have updated this blog way back in April with a heartwarming tale of another road trip – this one to Boston. You should have already read about all of us traveling via borrowed van to Boston to watch Jennifer run the Boston Marathon. Well watch is kind of a sticking point, because we, in fact, didn’t get to watch her – long story involving overcrowded public transport and over crowded father brains. But, run she did, and amazingly well. I remain my gorgeous wife’s biggest fan. She won this year’s PEI marathon by running sub 3 hours if conquering Boston wasn’t enough for one year.
Our three kids continue to grow and dazzle. JT, nine now if you can believe it, is blazing through grade 4 French immersion, with only an occasional stumble around neatness, forgetfulness and organization – wonder who we can blame for that combo of traits. Otherwise he is well liked, and respected, and found by his teacher to be talented student. A true renaissance man he keeps very busy with hockey and piano and just recently purchased a guitar with his own money. Already he is playing cords and learning songs – truly remarkable. Matt is as strong a student as his big brother, and the consummate charmer. He actually can come home tired because of the demands of his being so well liked, as he deals with near constant demands for his time among his classmates. I detect his teacher may have actually fallen in love with him, which will surprise none of you. His brother is his hero and following in JT’s footsteps Matt is playing hockey and taking piano lessons. Lily is our ball of fire. What a force of nature. Already exhibiting her brother’s wonderful sense of humour, she is independent and single-minded. ‘Princess Lily,’ typically prevails in all matters at present. She’s just too damn cute for her own good. She’s my rink buddy every Saturday morning while Jennifer typically gets a run in and I cherish those moments.
Mom and Dad have settled into life in their new house in Kentville and travel over often to stay with us. Ang and Loc remain, for now, in Vietnam and we use Skype to video chat with them as often as we can. Jen’s Mom and Dad moved back to Halifax this year after many years in Sydney. It is nice to have them closer and renewed reason to visit my favorite city in the world. We will see both sets of grandparents and the Dill’s new abode in the coming days as we split Christmas between the families as per usual. We all can’t wait.
Sadness comes in all lives and this year Dad’s brother Shelby died after a battle with cancer and my maternal grandmother Hannah died. Hannah was my last living grandparent and she was special. She had been my roommate for a short time after university and I will always remember my time spent with her in her Sydney Mines’ apartment overlooking the Brown St. ball field. And very recently our second dog, Willow, got very sick, unexpectedly, and died as well. She was such a great little dog. Perfect really. But life soldiers on. And for every moment of forehead rubbing as I contemplate how to pay the next oil bill or prepare to head away again for extra Northern work, for every one of those stress filled moments there are ten of pure joy. Through hard work and the love and support of family, the bills all seem to get paid and only a fool would become so rapped up in the tiny day-to-day struggles that they miss living the life they’ve been blessed with. And I am blessed. Jennifer is the best person I know, a wonderful mother, devoted and caring friend, loving sister and daughter – drop dead beautiful to boot. My kids are perfect – I know many of us say it – but I mean it, perfect, lights of my light. Our extended families thoughtful and generous, we couldn’t ask for better. We all have close friends that brighten our days and enhance our lives. As we get ready to head off on our Christmas 08 excursion we wish you health and happiness in the coming year. Drop back for a trip report and who knows I may even keep this damn thing active all year in 09.
Love
B
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