Travelling mercies on the train of life: a well-engineered N.B. holiday

     

     "Family ties are precious things, woven through the years, of memories of togetherness, of laughter, love and tears. Family ties are treasured things and far though we may roam, the tender bonds of those we love, still pull our hearts towards home."    

— Unknown   

     Welcome to my Hometown Memories.   

     

      Now, finding myself in New Brunswick, the province of my childhood, I felt I had indeed, come home. 

     My family and I were overwhelmed and honoured to realize the response of these many folk, who had taken the time to come greet us at a local restaurant in Moncton.

      A sweet reminder of the big, caring hearts these maritime relatives show, each time I visit. 

     

     Karen, Debi and I planned to spend our last week visiting with family. So, the next day we said our goodbyes to the rented Hyundai car and to Mark, as he returned to his job in Saskatchewan. 

     

     Beginning our first day with Gerry, my willing sister-in-law as our able chauffeur, she suggested we go to the downtown Moncton Tidal Bore Park, where, just before 11 a.m., the tidal bore was due to appear. 


          
     Because of the super moon the night previous, there was expected a super tidal bore, which before the construction of the Petitcodiac Causeway in 1968, often reached heights of two metres, and a speed of 10 km/hr. 

   

     I'm not sure how high it was, but we saw several people surfing, taking advantage of the waves. 

     

     During my earlier years here, I recall the tidal bore drawing many tourists to the city of Moncton. 

     Deciding to do a little exploring of the city, I thought a trip down memory lane would give Karen a peek into some of her mom's past. Debi was off spending her last day with hubby Mark, before his departure — visiting the Hopewell Cape Rocks.

     We found what was once the Parkton Elementary School on Mountain Road, the last school where I taught before leaving for the West, all of 62 years ago. Now, with a different name and quite a different facade. Being the teacher she is, Karen was most interested in her mom's teaching days here, especially as I ended teaching a Grade 3 class, as she is presently teaching. 

     

     We drove along the street that I walked many times, to and from my boarding house — 55 McSweeny Ave., which we also located, though now in much-needed repair. 

     

     Continuing our drive, we came upon the Highfield Street Baptist Church, bringing memories of the youth activities I attended there as a young lass. It seemed a much larger, and more impressive building than my memory conjures. 

     All journeys have surprises, they say. 

     Such was the case, when Gerry informed us we were to meet Bob, another of the girl's cousins, for a short time on his lunch break. With many years having passed since our last face-to-face meeting, emotions ran high. 

     What a great serendipity! It truly made my day extra, extra special. 

     

     Upon Gerry's urging, I was pleased to drop by for a brief visit with Marjorie Gibson, a classmate from our 1947 High School grad class. 

     Now, dealing with aging issues, she was unable to attend our family and friends meet and greet. 

    

     For a few minutes, we enjoyed turning back the hands of time. 

     Now, for a pause that refreshes — a yummy lunch at an interesting restaurant in the city, (can't recall it's name) though I do remember my dessert — an over-sized, delicious strawberry shortcake. 

     

     A peaceful drive in the country brought us to the Jordan Life Care Centre where Gordie and wife, Hazel now live. Gordie is Nel's only living brother, now, all of 97 years. 

     Both Gordie and Hazel are living with dementia. 

     Though there were obvious signs of memory loss, repetitive questions, etc., their quiet persona and welcoming smiles made us feel we were being greeted as family. 

     

     This brother, bearing so much of the Eagles' resemblance, brought emotional memories to Karen, a memory of her own dad, still so greatly missed. 

     

     What a treat to see him join us in singing, as he remembered a few words of an old hymn. 

     Then, to hear his prayer of special blessing for God to grant travelling mercies on us, his family, was indeed, so precious.  

     

     

     

     I picture Gordie, patiently waiting "at the station," ready to join those five brothers who have gone on before him. 

     Freeing Gerry from a day of taxi service, cousin Stephen was there, ready to take us on. How delightful to make a short stop to meet his son, wife and cute, granddaughter. Stephen's keen GPS enabled us to locate cousin Georgie and Daniel's new home in the Petitcodiac area, stopping for a brief hello. We paused to refuel (for our driver, especially), for a short supper break at a quaint, corner store-cafe. 

     As the golden sun was preparing to sign off for the day, Stephen chose the scenic route, delivering us to the Amsterdam Hotel in Moncton, for our final night's stay. 

     One last surprise, driving us through the area where Stephen lives, gave us a glimpse of he and his wife Karen's lovely home. Reluctantly, we bade another cousin, goodbye.
  

We made memories everywhere we went. 

Still more to come, from a country kid from New Brunswick.

— beulah