Four Days On The Prairie: A Coming Home

I could immediately feel the pull dropping out of the Logan Pass toward the high plains of northern Montana. The route upwards may be call “Going-to-the-Sun”, but past St. Mary's for me it was “Going-to-the-Grain”. The grain that lay in endless swathed rows. The spiritual grain of family and a wide open land that lets you see as far as your dreams might want to venture.

Trading conversation with my cousins, some of whom I hadn't seen in ten years or more, was a strong connecting experience despite the short duration.

Returning to my Mother's birthplace and where I spent my early summers sparked a deeper appreciation for family and knowing the roots which keep me grounded amidst life's constant changes.

Crossing the border into Canada was uneventful. The Canadian customs officers are so polite and well spoken. I get the feeling they aren't trained with the same level of paranoia and intimidation present in American law enforcement.

I was fortunate enough to be present for the harvest. I can't imagine how farmers are able to cope with annually having it all come down to a few weeks deciding their financial fate for the next year. From a traveler's perspective the fields appeared healthy and full, awaiting the round the clock procession of combines and grain trucks. I think the essence of harvested grain is absolute pure sweetness, a true gift from the heavens. This area is predominantly wheat and barley and most of the land is dry farmed. When I would ride with my Uncle David hauling grain many years ago, I would often wonder where all this barley went. I knew that wheat made bread but what destination for barley? As an adult I now know that it is the primary ingredient in beer. Imagine that, I was contributing to the success of the Canadian brewing industry many years before I even knew what beer was! I don't know if these wonderful Canadian fields end up in my favorite beers, but I'd like to think so!

Staying at Uncle Werner's place was compact for five of us, but it felt like a home away from home. Garrett slept in a sleeping bag, which he thought was cool, as well as being in the same room with his Nana. I love and appreciate the adventurous spirit with which children look at most situations. To them, this is an exciting diversion from normal. We could all use to channel more of our inner child. This is a critical lesson we as adults must keep in mind to maintain happiness and perspective.

A trip to the Lethbridge Farmer's Market stocked us with all the essentials of bread, fruits and vegetables. Everything looked bountiful and fresh. Garrett was most attracted to the doughnut machine.

Uncle Henry Kroeker greeted us, “so you came up to see God's country!” This was a statement rather than a question. Of all the people I've heard speak this phrase, he said it with the most honest conviction. I must agree that he is probably right. I have been to many beautiful places including mountain ranges, forests, lakes and oceans. Yet Alberta does and always will have a most special place in my heart. Endless fields caressed by the wind dotted with grain elevators with the Canadian Rockies on the horizon. This place is truly soothing to, and awakening of, my soul.

Attending my Grandfather's Mennonite church was an unexpected event that was a wonderful way to start off the family gathering for later that day. I was mot impressed by the youth worship service. I think their musical arrangements and performance was quite exceptional. I had never heard these types of contemporary arrangements before. I liked the choice of songs, particularly putting the Lord's Prayer to music. I have a deep love for music, both as a performer and avid listener. The gift of music adds so much dimension to our lives and represents an essential avenue for self-expression and a way to pay spiritual tribute.

The subsequent gathering at the home of Auntie Jo and Uncle David was a gathering of movement and conversations. I enjoyed seeing my cousins and their families and trying to catch up on a decade of events. What was most amazing was all these blond kids. I got a kick out of seeing this interaction of active blond heads running around the basement and the back yard. The informal soccer game with the older kids was fun and entertaining. Kids can be so tenacious and competitive, pounding the daylights out of each other yet still laughing the whole time. I was laughing the whole time! Centuries ago, explorers were obsessed about finding the fabled “fountain of youth.” Actors and models seem ageless through cosmetic technology. It is our kids that are the true path to living forever. They keep us young at heart (and age us as teenagers!) and carry part of our spirits on with them. Through these wonderful creations we transfer our lives and never really die.

The ride home was uneventful through rather dreary weather, signaling summer's end. We briefly hiked the main trail at Glacier National Park on the way home. I was humbled and inspired by my short visit in Alberta. I miss the land and my family, and commit to coming home more often.