Kye Bay welcomed us with a spectacular sunset, and a low tide that allowed miles and miles of sand to show and be explored. The greenery and rhododendrons in full bloom lifted my spirits especially since we had left behind cold and snow only days before in Alberta. I could feel my skin become drenched in the coastal climate, soaking up every bit of moisture, even though we only experienced one rainy day the entire time we were on the Island. The dry, parched Alberta cold, was a drowned out memory as I luxuriated in the damp air around me. The sound of gulls, the gaiety of bird song, the shrill peels of eagles overhead, was a sweet, sweet chorus when combined with the lapping of waves in the daily tide shifts.

Perfect.

I had spent weeks before our trip, fighting a lung infection that developed into pneumonia. I feared we would have to cancel our trip to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. My husband, his sister from Ottawa, and his brother from England were planning a reunion there in the town they grew up. It would be the first time the three siblings would all be together since 2012. I didn’t want to be the cause of him missing out on seeing them, after all, we never know if these meet ups will happen again. Thankfully, I recovered so we could enjoy a wonderful family gathering, and much memory-making in the process.

My husband and I decided to stay in a couple Bed and Breakfasts at Kye Bay. Our hosts were delightful, with gourmet breakfasts served on an outside deck overlooking glorious gardens. Meeting and chatting with fellow retirees escaping for a few days as well, was pleasant. Being only steps away from the beach was an added bonus. (Thanks Mena, Ken and Lynn for the hospitality!)

My husband, Charles has a warm, relaxed relationship with his brother and sister, something we do not take for granted. They joke about, laugh, reminisce and share countless stories of growing up together. I am included in their banter, I’m literally the “little sister” amongst them, as is evident when we take a picture and they tower over me in height!

We are home now. Hard to believe we were gone for two weeks. We have had a weekend to recover from the long drive back to our home in Alberta. I lament the fact that the leaves are just beginning to sprout on my lilac bushes. My garden is at least two months or more behind Comox in plant growth. It’s sad. I’m missing the floral colours, and the moisture in the air. Every time we visit the Island, we contemplate retiring there, but then the Alberta Rockies lure us home, and we feel a prairie homecoming that fills us with peace.

We will bloom where we are planted.

Still, … the Island is a nice place to visit.