I miss you sometimes. I can’t really remember the date when you passed away, but I’m not sure that matters as I don’t think you were big on dates anyway! I’m not even sure that I can recall your face. It’s been at least 25 years. We spent a lot of time together… some fishing, weekends at the camp or time on the oil truck. Memories like watching Tommy Hunter before the hockey game, or just working on a project like an outboard, making flies, or tackling your lawn were some of my favourite.
I’m hoping that you’d be glad to know that I’ve ended up owning your camp. Nanny deeded it to me before she got sick. There were some down years after you died that I didn’t have the bucks to throw money at camp upkeep… but things are in good shape now. I think you’d be happy with it today. I’m using it lots. We generate our own power now with solar panels. And the outboard and pump for water are working perfectly. I try to look after the place as I think you would have… it is very special to myself, your family, and my family that you’ve never met. They look for pieces of you here and I think most that visit feel your “breath” in this tiny corner of the lake.
Speaking of lake, this year I went fishing again, the first time in many, many years. I thought about you almost the whole time on the water… who you were and why I was the one alongside. Our boat chatter on where fish are and what patterns they follow was spaced with big spans of silence… no words necessary. Very formative years for me. I’ve never feared the quiet… and now more than ever think it’s important.
There are times when I wish you could visit… maybe you do! I know the camp meant a lot to you. Chatted with Win the other day… he thought you’d be proud of the space. It was important for me to hear that. I’m not sure if any of my kids, or even maybe grand children, will have the same commitment to this space. I guess, that’s not my concern, as it wasn’t yours. But please know that your efforts and dedication to this tiny slice of space in the midst of Guysborough County NS landscape live on… it lives in me, my children, and the many who have come to escape or reconnect. The space gives life back to those fortunate enough to understand.
So here’s me raising a glass! I’m thinking you’d appreciate that. Please know that you are here, that you were right in your devotion to “the camp”…. and that I’m forever indebted!