07-19-23 Auntie Trish
I set my alarm but woke up before it and began to get myself ready to catch the ferry off Salt Spring Island. I had said my goodbye’s last night but was so happy to have a quick visit with my eldest niece, Alexa before I left. There had been a communication error last night and I thought Maya must have been working so I didn’t get to see her. Sad for both of us. I managed to arrive at the boat and be on with the last three cars squeezed in behind me. Once again I experienced the oddness of not knowing anyone one the boat. There was a time in my years on SSI that all would gather and chat for the crossing
Once on the other side, I bought a coffee and snack and got busy on my big union payroll while I had good internet
Once on the boat I settled in a work space and it took me the most of the hour and a half crossing to get it done as, even tethered to my phone, the internet kept dropping. I was glad to finally push send and be done for the week
My first stop was for gas as I was running on fumes. Gas is more expensive in Richmond as it is all full service, so I got enough to get me over the line. I forgot that trains still run in Richmond and I didn’t take pics as I was mesmerized by the graffiti and the sign as I grew up on Lulu Island, most of it on a houseboat. Weird how trains became my thing
And then! I surprised my dear friend Jackie in her long term care home where I found her colouring in a swearsy book. I had brought her a puzzle of the leg lamp from her favourite seasonal movie and we had a good long visit. I still have to admit that it is amazing to be able to communicate with her so well being that she can’t talk since her brain aneurysm. We laughed and I chatted while she responded appropriately and we caught up on person a year after I saw her last. It is so much easier than FaceTime
From there I headed to the border which I thought would be easy as I had recently renewed my Nexus card… seems I didn’t activate it correctly and was flagged and hauled in. I was given a tongue in cheek stern warning and sent in my way (phew!)
The reason I was heading to the states was for a wellness check on my Auntie Trish. She is my Dad’s sister and sole remainder of her generation. I have always adored her, often been compared to her, and couldn’t wait to surprise her. And omg, I sure did. We have spent the whole afternoon and evening getting to know each other’s history on a way deeper level and there have been years and hugs and promises that I will be her person ‘when the time comes’. Her only daughter runs a farm in Alberta and I have also promised her that I will be the one. Auntie Trish and I have strong genes and a kindred spirit. We are making a plan to travel together. She may not love that I post this pic without makeup but my 81 year old auntie is beautiful to me… and she is sending me home with shoes!
I am now tucked in, happy in the love of family that is truly unconditional
triumphgal 