After much encouragement from my adult children, four of whom already lived in western Canada, I sold my home, bid goodbye to dear friends, and moved from Ottawa to Victoria in August 2020 when the Covid pandemic illness and fear were paralyzing Canada, terrifying our world.
I had rented a James Bay apartment online prior to my arrival, from which I would have access to a public library, grocery store, and bus stop. What more could I possibly need?
Unfamiliar with renting, and knowing no one, I realized pretty quickly that my new life was going to be much different, isolated, and lonely.
As I passed masked people on the street, their brimmed hats and eyeglasses concealed any facial expressions. Few spoke or even nodded their heads. Had their tethered dogs not been friendly, I’d have felt completely ostracized.
There were times when I wondered if the clothing that almost totally covered people waiting at the bus stop might not be meant for Hallowe’en.
As winter approached, frightening news broadcasts focused only on negative issues: illness, death, school closures, and insufficient medical intervention.
I knew that I could not expect anyone else to change their behaviour, to share a smile or wave. If I wanted to be happier, it was my responsibility to help myself…and others.
The bus stop was one of the spots I found uncomfortable because people kept moving far away from one another. There were no greetings, nods, or waves and very little eye contact…simply masks.
Finally, one morning in January ’21 I had had enough emptiness ….. and I nodded to two ladies at the bus stop across the street from Circle K’s visible lottery-winning signs.
I put my arm out, pointing to the signs and in the loudest voice I could manage, I bellowed:
Wow! Would you look at that! Fifty million! What would you do if you had fifty million dollars?!”
Immediately the bodies of both women became animated. They came to life just thinking about winning a lottery. Their arms and legs moved; their heads bobbed.
Each one knew exactly how she would use her winnings. I heard about their children and grandkids, autos that needed work, necessary home improvements, and trips they planned to enjoy.
In one month at that bus stop thirteen ladies, all of whom were over fifty told me all about their family members, their needs and wants, and what their lottery winnings could provide.
Each person was animated, hopeful, and focused, not on Covid, but on hope, a more positive future.
Another lady did say that she would give every cent of any win to the church. When I asked why she said she had been a nun.
There were fewer men than women at the bus stop most days and those who heard my announcement about the lottery winnings either did not respond or walked away as the ladies became animated and chatted.
And then, the bus pulled up and it was as if our conversations had never happened! No goodbyes, nothing!
It’s understandable that everyone fears illness, pain, and death, but, is there not room in every heart for fun, love, and friendship?
Where would we be without hope?