For Love of Land and Country
What does it mean to love one’s homeland? To be a patriot for the country we were born in and have an inherent connection to the land and those we share it with.
I was born and raised in Chilliwack, BC, and know the surrounding areas somewhat well, having moved around a little, and now living in Calgary, I’ve seen a bit more country. I have only recently started exploring the areas around which I now live, and realizing how much is out there and so easily missed. It’s funny how we can live in an area, sometimes for years, and not go to nearby destinations that are well known for its scenery and beauty. We don’t take the time to visit these spots ourselves, even though they are so close to us. Tourists come from around the globe to see these locations, and yet we don’t take advantage!
People are mostly creatures of habits, shopping at the same stores, taking the same routes to work or home, walking the same paths because they need to hit that set number of steps. But what we end up missing by doing this is that beautiful old tree in bloom just around the corner, or a pleasant interaction with a friendly face, perhaps a hidden waterfall that has cut through a stone wall for the last thousand years. The great white north is so vast but so few of us have seen anything beyond where we grew up or live.
Canada is known for its cultural diversity, for its acceptance and friendliness, and for its almost indescribably beautiful landscapes. From the sea-life filled oceanic coast of the major hub of Vancouver or quaint little White Rock, to the breathtakingly high reaches of the Rocky Mountains, the spine of our country. The east coast of Newfoundland with its unpredictable weather and random musical social gatherings, and even the far north tundra, Canada’s physical landmass is as diverse and colorful as its inhabitants.
This country is more than just its land however. The dictionary describes patriot: a person who loves and strongly supports or fights for his or her country. I say we are all patriots to some extent. Whether you join the military or are involved in community events, love for this country and its people reaches far. Run into another Canadian while traveling and you’ll make an instant friend and possibly a new travel partner. You will also have someone watching your back if things start turning dicey. To be more current, the fires in Fort McMurray show just how much Canadians come together and look after each other in a crisis. I joined a couple Facebook groups supporting Fort Mac and over the next couple weeks my feed was filled with people wanting to help, donating items, organizing food and clothing drives and opening up their homes and land to those who lost everything, from all over the country. We are known as the polite, apologetic country, but when a disaster occurs, natural or otherwise, you can bet your ass we will be there to help out in whatever way is needed.
As I explore this great country of ours, I’m beginning to see just why people come here from all corners of the globe. The natural beauty can rival any other country, from soaring mountain peaks to the dancing vibrant northern lights, and coastal communities, large and small, that hug either end of it. Even that flat province near the middle with its colorful crops and never-ending sky, Canada truly does have everything you could ever ask for, friendly locals included.
This Canada Day, do some exploring if you have some time. Go somewhere you have never been, meet brand new people and make some friends! We are so lucky and blessed to live here, in ‘The True North, Strong and Free.’ I wish you all the best of days today. Don’t let any crazy Canadian weather keep you from enjoying it! Now get out there and spread that Canadian Love!
