Family Ties

I have never been one to do things on a whim. Call it Spring Fever, call it severe homesickness, personally I say it's just time. Thanks to my big brother, I am finally going to make the journey to see him and my 2.5 year old nephew Quintin. Hard to believe that I left Calgary over two years ago, and have not looked back, even though my brother and his family live in Canmore, smack dab in the mountains. My brother and I talk regularly, and we try not to complain much about the distance. Right before I left Calgary we were getting very close as a family. It was hard to say goodbye to them. My life was taking me elsewhere for the time being. I knew I would be back, but always hoped it would be sooner.

Finally just about a week ago, we were chatting, and I was having a severe bout of "Family/Home Sickness". It's funny sometimes I get homesick for Nova Scotia, sometimes just for my family, sometimes for my friends, sometimes for just being surrounded by friendly Canadians. When you live away for a while sometimes you just crave the comforts of home whatever they may manifest themselves as. On this day Quintin was chatting away in the background, which is so strange to hear, since my last image of him was when he was like 6 or 8 months old, (Baby Q when he was about 6 or 8 weeks old)

wearing these bright orange pj's as I kissed him goodbye, telling him I would see him again soon. Scott was feeling a bit anxious asking when I was going to visit them, saying it has been too long. With Paul in school full time, and us always doing something or another it seems for immigration just to keep me here legally and working legally, we are always saving our money and not really having any money for things like major travel. Flights aren't cheap from here to Canada. Scott finally, just said," That's it I am bringing you home, you have to see Quintin." (My Big Bro and I, Chicago 2007)

The next day I went to work and my boss walks up to me and says "Shannon you need to take some time off. You have not been off a day since you started, and you look like you could use it." Now I am a firm believer in things happen for a reason, and it all falls into place if it's meant to be. When she said this it hit me, I need to go see my brother. That night I called Scott and told him what my boss said we booked a flight the next day I went in and said to my boss. "Remember how yesterday you thought I could use some time off? How about these dates?" Scott got my flight booked, and ready to go. It's only for a few days. For as much as I love my brother, it's like we become 5 year olds if we are around each other too long. Picking on each other, fighting, you know typical sibling crap you think you would grow out of at this point.

I am excited and a bit in shock still. Part of me is completely excited to be on Canadian soil for 4 whole days! Eating at a couple of my favorite restaurants, see Q all grown up. Playing in the mountains!!! I miss the mountains!!! And of course seeing my Bro, since he is the person who made it happen. I guess as we get older we finally realize just how important having our families close by really is. If I wait for him to come see us, hell might freeze over. He and his wife Julie flew to Chicago for our wedding a couple of years ago, and that was traumatic for all of us! He was in such a state when he landed, he didn't even say hello, he just hollered at me to get him out of the airport. LOL. Paul threw him in a cab, sent them to their hotel, and Julie got him a steak all as fine after that. So needless to say he doesn't travel well, particularly flying. It's going to be fun, and very healing for all of us I think.
While I am there, Paul will be here keeping the fort down with Lola Kitty, working on his best Canadian Accent , in preparation for his trip to Nova Scotia in December so he won't stick out too much.

(Q. Today, he will be 3 in May)

Canmore; Sunrise over the mountains...