Aylmer,
Quebec,
Canada
Sunday, July 22, 2007
I will begin with an ending. It is not the ending of this travelogue, but the ending of a story nonetheless. It is with great sorrow that this first travelogue is to announce the ending of a life. My beloved friend, Tonto died yesterday. I am changed, but grateful. I spent nearly 17 years of my life traveling around Quebec and being constantly reminded to enjoy this moment and every moment. Tonto had a great sense of humour and a deep sense of empathy that one can only hope to find in a true friend. She died quietly after a wonderful day spent at home doing all the things that she loved to do: napping, eating noodles, sniffing around the back yard and having her pink belly rubbed. I will miss her, but am forever grateful that she spent all that time with me.
In the meantime, my friends and family have kept me sane and patiently walked me through the fog of despair. I am lucky to have you people and will miss you terribly this year. But, a year goes by quickly, I'm told.
For now, I have a trip to plan. The plane ticket has been purchased and the plans are underway. And every ending is a new beginning.
