Editor’s note: Mark Bradford is contributing occasional posts from his diary on traveling the country with his wife Wendy while they rent out their Mishawaka home for six months.
Day 32 of our 190 day sojourn
July 26, 2023 —Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
“There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place and the universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what is possible.” — From the film “Field of Dreams”
Today I stood alone on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean on a little visited place called Blue Rock, a tiny town near Lunenburg and 90 miles south of Halifax. I was saying goodbye to the sea, something I thought I would never do but an indication of how this trip has changed my point of view in my 70th year.
It was a moment of Peace. It was a moment of Understanding. In that humbling instant, I, by the Grace of God, was given the chance to view my life with real clarity.
Behind me was a house and in that yard was a woman who was walking her dog. It was a normal day for her. On my normal days, I walk my dog. That moment by itself carried little meaning. As my mind worked, that came to represent the things I do with my life on a daily basis. The human things I must do to stay alive. Even those mundane moments are to be celebrated.
In front of me was the ocean, as large and as mysterious as the universe itself. So many secrets lie beneath the waves, so much my mind cannot understand. Creatures that have not been discovered, ideas are still kept hidden from us all. Eternity. Existence. And the reinforcement that the things of the world will still be here long after I am not. I am simply passing through. Renting time.
To my left, Wendy walked toward me. She is my future. She is my life partner. My “forever” girl. Forty years ago, she made a vow and she meant it. My future lies with her, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. Those are not just words, folks. They are a promise. To the best of our ability, a promise kept.
To my right, I saw my legacy. Down the road, led by a young boy, was a family with a dad, a mom, the boy, his two younger sisters, and a set of grandparents. In the moment of clarity I saw the importance of three generations, the importance of family, the importance of trying my best to be a good guy, a daily struggle for one such as me. I am a lucky guy. An imperfect guy. In the end, family is what counts.
That was it. Those ”few seconds” that Ray Kinsella said in the film held onto me long enough to re-arrange my mind. Then, as with all things, the moment disappeared into the fresh wind coming off the ocean.
Wendy and I got into the car, and with some regret, said goodbye to the Atlantic.
We had a terrific 20 hours at Lunenburg and Blue Rock. Far away from the partying crowds of Halifax, we found a certain amount of solace and energy from the sea, and the smell and taste of the ocean air is one you cannot replicate. We drove five hours to Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick encountering roads decimated by the flooding rains last Friday. The damage was extensive and dramatic.
Moments after we arrived, we walked a long pedestrian bridge over the Saint John River. On the other side, we found a really cool outdoor restaurant. The vibe of Canada continues to be laid back and friendly.
Our trip continues to open our minds and refresh our spirits. God does exist for sure. At least in Canada.