Somewhere between Baie-des-sables and Mont-Joli, sitting on the beach, contemplating the sea and it’s magnificent stillness, i had to stop here and take the time because I felt inspired to write these words. I have traveled here to visit my 94 year old grand-mother. I felt a certain urgency to come here. Recently, she said she was unsure she would be here next year. Usually, when someone venerable and old makes such an assessment, it’s an accurate one. So i took a plane as soon as i could and i came here, to the origins of my family, to where my mother was born.
Coming out of the plane, i went directly to her apartment. I kissed her and we just talked. I showed her pictures of my son. She took her photo albums out and we started looking at her souvenirs. Some were new, some very old almost a century old… back in 1921 to when she was a baby. Those moments shared with an ancient soul are filled with meaning. Grand-mother has had the privilege to live a very long life. In the end, she lives a very simple and quiet life. When i talk with her, i see that, at the end of this long voyage, the things most dear to her, what she remembers most are the people and the adventures. She does not care about the things, she cares about friends, family and moments. This is very inspiring and it reminds me that everything i do, i should do to fill my life with significant people and shared moments.
As I look at the apparent stillness of the sea, it reflects the blue sky above. The wind blows gently. Birds fly by me. Sun is shining. This area is filled with beauty and life. Deep inside, i know there is no stillness, just movement. The water on the St-Laurent came from an infinite number little streams from higher inland and this body of water flows slowly, inexorably toward the ocean. Our lives follow similar paths. I will be going back to grand-mother’s apartment every morning until i leave to share more moments with her. I will give her big hugs, tell her i love her each time. These might be our last embraces, these might not be.
Such is life, filled with surprises and uncertainty but beautiful and fragile…
Original post Facebook, August 2014
Martin Pham Dinh 