Visite à mon fils française

When my son Dustin moved out to Montreal in 2008, we understood this was going to be a life shifting decision.  His prior years of schooling in Calgary establish a certain amount of separation from home.  We could easily drive out to help him move, or send him on a bus home for weekends and holidays.  Now that he was 3,600 km away routine visits would become more difficult.

In October of 2009, Vivian and I went on a three day ‘whirlwind’ trip to visit Dustin in his new home.  His girlfriend Pascale and he shared a place across the road of University of Montreal, and together with her parents we spent 3 fast days checking out the area, going out to her home in Grandby, and visiting Quebec City.  It was a fast paced visit, and we promised to return one summer and spend a little more time together.

This month we upheld that promise to return, and we set aside 6 days for visiting and site seeing.  Dustin planned a full itinerary of activities that would include many of his favorite stops and activities.  From taking us cycling through the streets of Mont-Royal, to picking up wood fired bagels, and feasting at la resto Banquise, his favorite 24 hour poutine stop.  We spend time watching jugglers and musicians in Parc du Mont-Royal in what is a festive gathering of self induced dance, drumbeats and laughter that put my son at home with his community.  We toured his school campuses of McGill and Concordia, for which he spends such a significant part of his days, and took in many of the local wines and cheese that makes up Quebec culture.

The three days we spent touring Ottawa and camping at Gatineau Park was a time to share new experiences together and enjoy the warm (Misquote free) weather.  We loaded Dustin up with a few new camping tools to accommodate our two nights in the bush, saved on hotel costs, and I got to chuckle at the excitement that Raccoons can bring to a campsite of young girls that leave food scattered about!   A tour around Ottawa and the Canadian War Museum, raised my awareness of Canadian culture. Seeing the history of our solders, touring the Parliament buildings, walking along the Rideau canal, and observing the changing of the guard at the war memorial touched my heart and opened my understanding of the nation's capital.

We made a quick visit through Grandby and shared a wonderful fondue dinner with Pascale's parents. The time went quickly and I cherished every moment together.  I thank Dustin and Pascale for being such wonderful hosts on our visit. I look forward to returning again soon and will always remain attentive to keep my French son close in my Alberta heart

Now go out and make it a great day,
Make time for things that matter,
And build memories with those you love

Blaine