On the Fly

A quick post, completely unrelated to sewing so I won’t even try to make a connection, while I wait for a flight.

This’ll be my fourth major trip in a twelve-month span after a many-years drought during which the idea I’d ever again leave the hospital, let alone the city, seemed laughable. Yet here I am, sitting at the gate, nursing an overpriced coffee and with just enough time to crank out a few short paragraphs.

This is a continuation of K’s redemption tour as I prioritize going back to the places most important to me. Last August, it was North Carolina, where my husband is from; in January, I made my triumphant return to one of the two islands key to my identity; today I’m en route to the other.

I grew up on Vancouver Island, on the west coast of Canada and six or so hours by air from where I’ve spent the bulk of my adult life. My dad, however, hails from the opposite end of the country, the smallest—and, I’d argue, most beautiful, though I’m admittedly biased—province: Prince Edward Island. It’s the land of red sand, rolling hills, and delicious seafood (and, of course, Anne of Green Gables). It packs a big punch for a province so tiny.

More than the scenery and sights, it’s the people and the Acadian culture that tie me to PEI. I’m giddily excited to reconnect with both. Even better, my in-laws are travelling from NC to meet us there, so I’ll have the great joy and privilege of seeing them, too, and sharing the Maritimes with them. It’ll be a busy, rich ten days, and the extent to which my health has improved—drastically within the last few months—will allow me to enjoy and appreciate the vacation more fully than I anticipated when we booked our tickets back in April.

Time, now, for a last pre-flight washroom break (airplane bathrooms + wheelchair = no fun) before I board. Hard to believe that in a few short hours, I’ll be on PEI, hopefully with a cone of Grapenut ice cream in one hand and a lobster in the other.