This column finds me on the road or more precisely, in the air. As I left Victoria B.C., after a weekend of naval training, I realized that in the span of 24 hours I would touch down in five cities in five different provinces. I would go from the Pacific to the Atlantic, back to my hometown in New Brunswick, to say goodbye to a loved one who has passed on.
On the way back home I encountered countless travellers who, like me, were off to some other destination.
As a bit of a people watcher, I try to imagine where these travelers are going and what their story is. On the turbulent ride from Victoria to Vancouver I watched a mother comfort her child. She was gentle, kind, and assured the little boy that everything would be OK. I thought of my mom and the many times she did that for me. I realized again, on a deeper level, how much I value the love of a parent.
From Vancouver to Edmonton, I sat with a young soldier who was on his way home after a six-month tour abroad. He was excited to be going home, to see his girlfriend and family. He talked of his time away from Canada and how he was going to enjoy a good burger and then a home-cooked meal. I thanked him for his service, for his time away from home. I realized again, on a deeper level, how much I value those who give of themselves in the service of others. I realized, after a brief stop home in St. Albert to drop off my naval kit and get my suitcase for the trek to New Brunswick, how much I love my family, especially my “girl.”
The Edmonton to Toronto leg reminded me of how vast our country is and how diverse it is in its geography. Canadians come from all backgrounds, forming a cultural mosaic like the patterns in prairie fields. I reflected on how much I respect and appreciate this diversity. We are stronger because we embrace differences. We can sleep at night without fear of rockets raining down on our homes.
Just when I thought some form of nap was in order I was soundly entertained on the next plane by a group of students who were off on a band trip to Quebec. I remembered why I love being an educator. I wish I still had that kind of energy. My itinerary being rather a hop, skip and a jump, I had chance to practise some French during a brief layover in Montreal. I successfully ordered my café et biscuit before embarking on the last vol to Saint John.
I finally arrived back home and was met at the airport by one of my brothers. I would soon see all of my brothers. We have not been together for about eight years. I remembered that sometimes, making a living comes at the cost of being away from what was once familiar. I remembered a saying my father used to cite: home is where you hang your hat. There is also the familiar saying that home is where the heart is. In five provinces, in six cities, with an array of other travellers, I felt at home. Perhaps seeing my sons march in the Remembrance Day parade this year, and knowing that they now have a real sense of loss in the death of their grandfather, has made me sentimental and nostalgic? I suspect that home is really a state of mind. It is the conscientious decision to be welcoming, kind and accepting of others.
Canada is truly a remarkable place to live. We should be thankful that we can travel freely, speak freely and live peaceably. We should be thankful for family and friends. We should be thankful that we can enjoy the journey because as Rush lyricist Neil Peart reminds us: “We’re only immortal for a limited time.”
Tim Cusack is an educator, spoken word artist, and a Maritime surface officer in the Royal Canadian Navy.
