Travel Changes Us
Portage Inlet, the Gorge, Victoria, BC
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
My most recent travel day was a breeze compared to the international itineraries of years past, but still a nudge out of my comfort zone. An early departure and easy commute to the Winnipeg airport, an efficient check-in at the WestJet counter. Security was noneventful for Ms. Needles-No-Pump-No Sensor, but Mr. Ostomy was pulled aside for an aggressive pat down.
I was standing in the boarding area, hot latte in hand, appreciating the ease I was feeling when an intense WestJet employee got on the mic to bully us into checking our carry-on luggage. Apparently, the full flight couldn’t accommodate everyone, and if we didn’t comply, we risked being charged at boarding if our bag didn’t fit in the measuring racks.
Lucky for me, I was wearing my shoes of peace. I didn’t allow this particular Bo weevil to steal my joy. Shelly, the friendly attendant on board, more than made up for her grouchy colleague. She assured Mister that he was welcome to use the lavatory if necessary during take-off and even demonstrated the sleuth move of unlocking the door during our climb skyward.
We had a brief connection in Calgary, but together with the two flights, it was just over five hours until we arrived at our destination. My heart welcomed the familiar scents and sights of Victoria, the place I once called home, where I fell in love with Mister. The eighty shades of green exploded upon my winter-starved senses—but in a good way.
My blood sugar had dropped from 19.9 to 4.2. One of the hazards of switching up your routine I suffer from as a woman with Type I Diabetes. We grabbed lunch at an old standby burger joint and my heritage patty on a gluten-free bun, loaded with creamy garlic mushrooms, was like the nectars of Eden. Full and satiated, we stopped in for a few basic groceries before driving to Saanich to check into our Airbnb.
I made my way down the narrow, somewhat steep path to our suite, then turned the corner and locked my eyes upon the most spectacular scene. The tranquil visage of the Portage Inlet was a cacophony of blues and greens, brightened to surreal tones by the early afternoon’s rays of sun dancing across the still waters.
We’d made dinner reservations, with plans to meet up with my mom and her partner. When my mother arrived at the restaurant, my breath stuck in my throat as I took in how much she’d changed since I saw her last summer. When I moved closer to embrace her, I had to bend over several inches. But then I pulled back to gaze into her eyes. She radiated joy— and sheer determination. The air returned to fill my lungs. I heard a voice inside me whisper, “All is well my child; I have her in the palm of my hand.”
I relaxed into the present moment, with the knowing, that I can trust life. Waves of gratitude washed over me, that I was there in Victoria, against all odds. We dove into connection, the four of us sharing stories, laughter, hopes, and dreams over dishes of aromatic curries. I felt it deep in my bones, that my prayer to strengthen family relationships had been heard. That this was one step of many on a life-transforming journey.
COMING UP…
Books & Projects:
· All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.
· I finished writing my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.
Reviews & Interviews:
· You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.
Events:
· There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.
YouTube Channel:
· Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.
· Watch The Holding trailer.
· Watch The Healing trailer.