Big changes in Ottawa

Although our time in Ottawa was relatively short this season, it was ripe with change and big events. Mom has settled into her new reality managing her compromised lung function. She requires constant supplemental oxygen, which is delivered via compressed O₂ bottles, or an oxygen-generating machine that sits in the living room.

As usual, Mom and Kathy are troopers. Both seem to just soldier on, regardless the new challenges. Mom really seems to be doing OK with it all. Other than having to manage the kilometres of air tubing, she can move around the condo pretty much as before. And she is able to take short trips using the travelling bottles of compressed (liquified) O₂. It’s a hassle, but she’s definitely feeling, and sleeping, much better. And with her snazzy new hairdo, courtesy of Ann the Stylist, she seems to be lovin’ life as it is.

Our weekly phone calls with Connor and Colleen turned into weekly visits while in Ottawa, which was great. Connor has really started to sprout. He’s already taller than Colleen and Mom (although that’s pretty easy 😁). He’s pretty close to surpassing Kathy, and is creeping up on Ann, and hence my, height. Probably by the time we visit in the fall, he’ll be towering above us all.

Spending time with Colleen and Connor is always great, but the other big change in Ottawa life has been the reconnection with our other niece, Shelley. She has been estranged from Mom & Sis, and hence Ann & I, since the Big Family Fracture many years ago. But last fall, out of the blue, Shelley reached out to Mom in an effort to reconnect, and heal some of the old wounds.

Shelley, her partner Thomas, and their two-year-old boy Cedric, have been visiting regularly. And we were happy to be included in the latest drop-in.

Perhaps best of all, Colleen & Shelley have become sisters again. It’s all incredibly heartwarming, and all thanks to Shelley having the courage to take the first step.

Leading up to our arrival in Ottawa there had been talk of people wanting rides on my motorcycle. I, of course, encouraged it. But truth be told, I had never driven with a pillion (a motorcycle passenger). Ann agreed to be my guinea pig so I could learn how to double. Her only condition was that I let her take my baby out for a ride.

Colleen was the first adventurous pillion soul; in fact, she was keen. We decked her out in Ann’s gear, and then she and I took off for a 15 minute spin around the area. She was a great passenger, and absolutely giddy with joy over the ride.

The following day I took Thomas out for a similar ride. He wasn’t quite as ecstatic as Colleen, but said he loved it. They both, independently, mentioned how “free” they felt. I couldn’t agree more 😁.

We even managed to get the two boys; Connor, and Cedric, to sit on my motorcycle. We’ll make bikers out of them soon enough!

While in Ottawa I also managed to flip the calendar pages, and turn 59. That means I’m into my 60th year 😨. I remember when 60 sounded ancient — funny how one’s perspective changes with time. I still feel pretty good — and the amazing chocolate cheese cake Ann made soothed any age apprehensions I might have had.

The importance of family was certainly front and centre of this entire visit to Ottawa. Shelley really broke the ice when she reached out to Mom. When we met her and Thomas & Cedric, things went so well that I decided to reach out to my brother Pat. I’ve had no contact with him since he and my Mom parted company more than a decade ago. But with a new-found air of reconciliation, I thought I would try.

To my pleasant surprise, Pat responded immediately and enthusiastically. We quickly arranged a meet up of all three siblings at city pub. It went … great. We talked for six hours. There were a few touching moments, but mostly we talked the present, and avoided the past.

It was really wonderful to reconnect — surprisingly good from my perspective. Where this all goes from here is unclear. We left the following day to carry on with our journey to Ramea. I hope the healing continues, but big challenges remain. We shall see… But it feels good so far.

As usual, our drive east of Ottawa took us first to our little motel stop in Cabano, QC, and then on to Truro. We’ve made a point of spending a little time with Chet & Margie. Unfortunately, Margie’s health has taken a nose-dive, and she’s been in hospital dealing with excruciating pain due to a disintegrating hip joint, along with ongoing back issues. But we still spent some nice time with Chet, all their cats , and got a tour of his new trailer and trailer park. Margie’s situation has kept him from spending much time there, but there is hope things will start to improve with pending surgery.

We left Truro and made our way to North Sydney to board the big ferry back to The Rock. We got there early, and watched our ferry; the Blue Puttees, dock and unload. Then we headed over to get in line. With car and motorcycle, we had to be in separate loading areas. I ended up surrounded by ‘Harley boys’ and their big chrome bikes. A few were interested in my little bike; especially when I told them about the recent ride from Calgary.

The big crossing went easy, and we both managed to get a little sleep, despite the crying children 🤬. Ann with the car ended up in the bilge of the ferry — as usual. Me on the motorcycle was on deck 3, which meant I loaded first, and got off ahead of Ann. We agreed to meet up at a little restaurant about an hour down the road. Then it was down the Burgeo HELL road, and then onto the Gallipoli for our leg of this long journey.

We pulled off the little ferry, and drove the last 1 km of the 6,148 km journey to our little home on the island off The Island. A light fog, and friend Mark, were there to greet us. Mark had been living at our place for a couple of weeks, after having sold his boat in Lewisporte.

So now we settle in to our little home surrounded by the sea. We’ll take a few days to unpack, and get things sorted. After that we’ll hopefully tackle some house projects, of which there are many.