A Big Anniversary

 One year ago yesterday, I left my house in Toronto for the last time. Kev picked Aleksandra and me up, took us to the airport, and stayed with us while I got Aleks checked in and my family had arrived.I shall never forget seeing the girls walk into the cargo office with Mum and Bob!!

After dinner, we walked over to security so I could go through to my gate. It was so hard saying good-bye, but I was flying to my sweetheart, and that kept my legs moving. Tears were shed, I don't mind saying. Even today, thinking about it, my eyes well-up. But the last people I saw after going through security were the people I love the most in Canada.

I love this photo. I just do.

I take dozens of photos in five minutes time. It's almost a compulsion. I see something, or am in the middle of experiencing something, and I want to keep that moment in time. I want to remember. When I look at these photos, I remember what I felt in that moment. It's precious to me.

I think I've always felt too much.



And this is my last recognizable photo of Toronto. My beloved city. I do love Toronto. She's such an astounding city with her neighbourhoods filled with incredible diversity. I hate the pollution and I think my sweetie's right when he posits that we've extended our lives by 10 years by moving here, but I love the city. I think I'm glad I'm not there right now. I'd probably be fuming at Rob Ford and his tinpot axis of evil.


One year ago today, date-wise if not number-of-days-wise since it was a leap year, I landed at Heathrow. My sweetheart met me with a rose between his teeth; a rose that immediately got stuck in my face when I threw myself into his arms. Five hours later, we had Aleksandra out of animal reception and my little family was together again.

I don't think I shall ever forget that drive up the M1 - the traffic, the construction, the awesome roadside services (some are like mini-malls) and being on the wrong side of the car. That two hour drive was interminable, exhausted and overwhelmed as I was, but finally we pulled into the driveway.

Last night, we had dinner with a couple we've befriended over the last few months, to celebrate the anniversary. They asked if I had any regrets about leaving Canada. I told them that I still miss my family, my friends and places I've loved, terribly, but, no. I have no regrets about coming here. I have fears for our future, I worry, but I have no regrets.

We did the right thing a year ago, of that I have no doubt. My sweetheart is healthier than I've ever known him, and I am certain that had we stayed, the stress of always wondering when the axe was going to fall would have debilitated him, eventually killed him. What happened was incredibly wrong. The judges at the Court of Appeal knew it. I will, someday, be able to forgive them for their cowardice.


And I have made inroads artistically, and am healing. I'm in a band, now - Irish Traditional and 70s rock. My glass painting has taken on a new level of artistry. I have a modelling agent as of this week, and some amazing head shots. My photography has definitely improved, and I'm writing again, a series of articles I'm hoping to sell to the papers. I'm looking for work, as income is necessary, but for a year I've lived the way I want to live. That's precious.


We are writing the book, by the way. We've been talking about it over the past few months. He's finally ready to start. People need to know exactly what they are allowing by remaining silent, by closing their eyes to the province they have wrought.

We've had a year to travel and heal. We've had adventures and wonderful moments. Almost all of which I caught on film - well, on my camera, anyway.

My family at Sherwood Forest

With Jeanna and Ben at Ashby de la Zouch.

Loz and Dom at Ashby de la Zouch.

Patricia in Rye

My sweetie and Mike on the HMS Victory.

Lisa and Gabby in a London taxi.

 

With Danielle at Woburn Abby antique shop.

With Elly and Gord at Towcester

With Mum and Bob at Stonehenge.

 There are some exciting prospects in our future. 

 
 And in May, the best part of all. I feel an inner quiet when I think about it. It's going to be an amazing few days spent with people we love. Except the Princess, unfortunately, who will be at the dog hotel up here. Everyone there will be someone we care about, friends old and new, and family. That's the best way to celebrate, I think.

I love you all. We love you all. 

Walking in Bradgate Park.

Waiting for the steam train at Quorn.