Today, I took the time to visit Heather for lunch. Visiting her has become a part of my daily routine, sometimes even twice a day. I know some might suggest taking a break, going away for a bit, but honestly, I just don’t feel the need for it right now. When I do feel like it, I’ll take that step back, but for the moment, I am comfortable being actively involved in her care. My days are nicely paced; I come home, walk the dog, run a few errands, socialize in small doses, and then immerse myself in working on the van, which is a pleasant distraction. I’m making some progress with it, and that feels good.
In case I haven’t mentioned it before, the van project is essentially a form of therapy for me, something to sink my time and effort into. I have plans for this fall to embark on a few short trips across Nova Scotia. Autumn holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to exploring some secluded areas, what they call boondocking. It’s the art of camping in off-the-grid spots near roads, beaches, or lighthouses. The idea of being out there with my drone and camera excites me.
The primary reason for all of this planning is the reality that Heather won’t be around forever. Whether it’s six months, a year, or even sooner, I know a significant change is coming. When that time arrives, I’ll need to reset my life, and the van could be my escape. Once it’s ready, I envision setting off on longer adventures, possibly a major trip across the country or even further afield. Perhaps explore Canada more deeply or maybe even write a book or create a video series during this journey.
I’ve been toying with the idea of producing a video series focused on characters in small communities. There was once a show on Canadian television, I believe on CBC, called ‘On the Road Again’ with Wayne Ronstad. He traveled the country, meeting people and bringing their stories to life through little documentaries. That show inspired me, and perhaps it’s something I could do in the future. Having this kind of project on the horizon keeps me going and adds purpose to my days.
As for this evening, I might venture out to Eastern Passage where there’s a guitar circle gathering. Though I’ve never been, my friend Mike Chandler’s description makes it sound intriguing. It could be a nice change from assisting Heather with supper, offering a chance to experience something new. My days have their moments of sadness, but they’re not overwhelming. True happiness hasn’t visited in a while, and that’s alright. It’s just part of the human experience. Thank you for being with me on this journey.
