These past few weeks have been bitter sweet. I'm currently sitting in the airport reflecting on what I've done during my final days in Newfoundland. Recently I was able to Skype my close friends from Residence. Holly whos working in Manitoba as well as Jo who is working Italy. I had only messaged them since my diagnoses and talking to them "almost in person" made me realize how much I appreciate them and I couldnt have even gone through the past few months without them. They ahve literally been with me right from the start. Im also so glad I live in a time where I can still see my friends who are many miles away. Last Friday, I finished up my technical session at school. It was also the day my roommate Abby left to go Ontario. Saying goodbye to Abby was harder than I thought. We were supposed to go on our work terms together and spend the summer together on the Atlantic Raven. In our words we were going to "fuck shit up together". When ever we hang out especially drinking, nothing ever goes to plan but it always makes for a good story. I know she will accomplish great things this summer and will be just fine without my by her side. I know in time we will finally be Shipmates. My dad also flew in last Friday in order to help my pack my life up. Packing was also another challenge. I was supposed to be packing for my year long work term not going back to Ontario. Everyone keeps telling me to take it day by day but how am I supposed to pack my bags and decide what to take back If I don't know what tomorrow will bring me. Many people have also come to visit me and say their goodbyes. Katie, who on her own Convocation came to say goodbye and offer her "motherly" encouragement. Amy, my old roommate and I spent almost 2 hours chatting and laughing away just like old times. So many people and so many hugs. Last Sunday, my dad met up with Jen and her mother for lunch. There were so many laughs as well as tears. The entire Osmond family has been so encouraging and helpful. I really do have a second family here who treat me as if I were their own. After lunch, Jen, my dad and I went on a little road trip. This road trip was one of my favorite memories here. We had so many laughs and got to see so much. We even saw a dead whale that had washed up ashore. Yesterday I even saw Jen at the airport as she was leaving to join her ship in Montreal. Jen got on her work term unexpectedly. I reminded her that with our sea going careers we are never going to be able to plan anything. We just need to go with the flow. I was so excited for her and I was so glad to be there for such a big moment! When I met Jen at the airport she gave me a painting that she had painted her self. It read "In high tide or low tide, I'll always be by your side". It had an anchor painted on it as well as glued on shells that Jen had all the way from Dubai. Of course, I cried. I was crying because I'm so thankful to have friends like her in my life. In the last 2 years in seems like our families has known each other for years. I wish her well this summer and cant wait to see her when she's all finished. Yesterday for my full last day in Newfoundland, my dad and I drove down the southern shore and saw many icebergs. It was such a nice day that I even received a sunburn which never happens to me here. It was a great day. It was nice to be able to see more of the Island before I have to temporarily leave. Even though I'm quite upset at the fact that this chapter of my life here in Newfoundland is ending, I'm excited to open up a new chapter and reconnect with friends in Cobourg. I am determined to come back stronger than ever and with a new appreciation for friends and family. Its sad but amazing in the fact that it take something like my situation o bring family and friends together when we should be supporting each other all the time no matter the circumstances. Cancer picked the wrong Girl to mess with! "Smooth Sea Never made a Skillful Sailor."
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Author: Katie BarkerJust an average Sailor who battled Cancer and won! Archives
August 2018
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