March for the George Family means “Almonte.”
We’re weeks away from our Family’s move, leaving St. Catharines and Niagara for Almonte, a great, small town about 40 minutes from Ottawa’s downtown. We’re all in a daze with the realization that the days and weeks leading up to our cross-Province trek will fly by. There is so much to do and only limited time now to do it. Hope to see and connect with many of our friends both in Niagara and in Ottawa in this next month. For those we will not have the precious time to talk to, I have tried to capture in verse my current thoughts as we leave our home to make a new one in Almonte. Until our paths cross again…
The Move
– So it’s a calculated move?
– Sorrta: the vineyards were fine for the wineries
but a working soul can wither in the Niagara sun
We chose to leave the magnificent web we had spun,
leave behind the comfort, contentment of the Briarfield lair
to jump into “the next phase of our lives”
into the deep end, with both feet
and now as we consider the many unknowns
that leap has us free falling into the future.
There is so much anticipated for Almonte
We know it as a colourful, caring small town
A Rockwellian Main Street that time passed by
filled with genuine folk who smile, nod and
go about their honest day’s business.
A wonderful home town to nurture a growing family.
We’re excited about exiting the road we’re on – for Main Street
Yet I am certain we are accelerating towards new realities:
Truths are exposed when no longer wrapped in familiarity
The status quo is challenged when there are no recognizable boundaries
Decisions are deliberately taken, one-step-at-a-time, when the path is unknown
– So, a calculated move: yes
We are convinced that it is a necessary journey
spanning both geographical and spiritual divides
to discover new streets, new people and new truths
to re-discover old feelings, buried muses and forgotten memories
to exhume those lifeless parts of ourselves,
prop them up in front of a mirror and
dare ourselves to realize the potential and promise
of our Family’s prospects, our dreams and hopes for Life’s adventures.
Chris George / March 2013
Chris, one towns loss, another’s wonderful gain. Here’s to many years of happiness and discovery in the ‘friendly town’. From the Reside family to yours. With best wishes.
Wishing you, Lisa and the boys all of the best in your new home.
Chris, you are missed at the CACN. I think of you often and wonder how you would respond to the situations. Your contributions were numerous and valuable. Thank you from all of the kids you helped by your involvement.
Best wishes
Marlene