Returning To Your Roots
Not too long ago I took a road trip with my wonderful husband and niece, with the intention to show them the little hometown where I grew up, Rouyn-Noranda in Abitibi-Temiscamingue. More accurately the village right next door, Evain, Quebec, a nice little peaceful place.
While day dreaming on our way there, I was curious to see what I would find after deciding to leave it all behind 33 years prior. What would be left of those roots after so long?
Throughout the trip, I kept remembering all the life events I experienced while living there. Family and friends, who taught me through ups and down, that we are all here together to learn from each other and create our paths throughout this life. Even after so many years, I still felt that familiar feeling of coming back home. Though the town had grown, the essence and feeling of joy and relaxation was still very present. It vibrated to my very core as the memories of my past resurfaced.
I was excited about our second day there. It was all about proudly showing my husband all the places I had lived, studied and worked at. It was trilling to think about seeing all of it once again.
We visited the small house I lived in for the first six years of my live. It was still standing proud and looking as it always did. We talked with the neighbors – turned out to be the same ones from when I had lived there. This showed me that some people choose to not change as they are very comfortable in their old environment and habits. They kept to their daily routine and were very content. It was the life journey they happily chose and it was pleasant to see.
We then visited the next home I grew up in. The one I stayed in until I moved to Ottawa. I called it ‘the big house’ as it was a converted motel. It was quite the project we had endeavored as a family. When we arrived on location, the house had actually been replaced with something new. This is when it hit me.
Sometime, the big things aren’t always the ones that make it. Sometimes it’s the small things that are the ones that stand the test of time. Some of my smallest ideas brought me the most joy and my biggest ones went nowhere or faded away fast. Often minor experiences taught me major life lessons. They ended up the ones I depended on the most. It wasn’t the quantity but the quality’ of my experiences that made my journey.
All that’s left is my personal experiences and it can’t be taken away. They allowed me to become who I am today and I’m proud to report that I am in a place in my life that brings me continuous joy and happiness daily thanks to it.
With Love and Gratitude
Carmen Gelinas