Every day I stare at the blank screen like a blank piece of paper trying to will myself to continue the journey which I promised I would do. Every day closes with the screen still empty, void of any words, any thoughts of the journey. It is like I have come to an abrupt end. I use pictures in my cloud to recall those memories but instead of being able to jot those memories down, I am flooded with sadness and unable to continue. Why am I sad? Living in Mexico was for me one of the happiest times in my life. I had found a little piece of paradise that I called home. If you did not know, I am no longer there and my heart yearns for those days again. But one cannot live like that. Wishing for times gone by is not healthy. Instead I should be grateful of those times and relish what I experienced. Easier said than done. So I will try once again today to break that train of thought and reflect on my journey with Seven, my saviour. The ups and the downs. The laughs, the tears. It is all part of life and the journey.

The time had come for me to make the trip back to Canada. Flights had resumed. That exit and re-entry every six months that is done by thousands of people trying to make their home in Mexico. It is a very grey area which is acknowledged by the Mexican authorities but still bloody nerve racking. All the what-ifs play havoc with your mind. My biggest fear was always not being allowed to come back, to be refused re-entry. My dogs. What would I do.? As a retired individual, I was not a threat, I was not imposing myself on the resources, I was not taking jobs away from Mexicans but in reality, they could stop me. This time round it was a complete fiasco. Canada had imposed some of the most ludicrous rules to enter the country because of the “covid pandemic”. I needed proof that I had received the jabs. I needed proof that I tested negative. I needed a place to stay where I could isolate myself from everyone for two weeks.

Looking back now I should have realized how easy it was for me to get false papers. Oh heaven forbid, disobey the government. But I did not. I got the jabs like a good citizen so I could fly back to see my mum again. I booked a flight for 3 weeks. The longest I had stayed away from my home. Simon, my son secured a place for me stay isolated from everyone. Just a couple of days before the flight I had to get the test done to prove I tested negative for covid. I sat in this little room on a tiny wooden stool. A lady entered. I only knew this person was a lady as she spoke to me. She was dressed in a full hazmat suite and held in her hand the biggest q-tip I had ever seen. She then proceeded to put that damn q-tip up both nostrils. I seriously thought she was reaching for brain matter. Sure seemed I was now entering the realm of science fiction. Of course I tested negative. The cost was a money grab. If my memory holds true, it was $100. My friend, my roomie said no problem, I’ll be OK. Upon my return though he said please don;t leave me again like that. I get it. He worked 60+ hours a week running his own business, including physical labour. Then look after the house with 4 dogs and Tai, the cat. It was a lot. I promised I would not do that again.

Upon arrival in Toronto, the usual where have you been, what do you have to declare etc. I had downloaded the Canadian arrive scam bullshit that the custom authorities never even looked at. If you don’t know about this scam you can google it and see for yourself.

Once the two week period ended, I was free to visit family and friends. I had one week. One hellava lot to cram into one week. I was grateful though. I was able to visit everyone who mean the world to me. My mum, my son, my grandson, my few friends. Didn’t see my granddaughter as she was and still is in Japan. Then it was finally boarding that plane to go home.

Arriving home never felt so good. I was exhausted but I was happy, I was home again. Crazy dogs, crazy friends. Beautiful memories.

Perhaps I have broken the chain. Perhaps now I can again resume the journey. Stay tuned for the next episode. I do promise it will be coming fast. Reflections are good. Reflections offer promises of the future. We cannot live in the past but reflect on those days as a window.