...and so we approach the end of this chapter of our Life's story, 22 six-month summers in Nova Scotia, "A Slice of Heaven" as it was first described to us by a friend, in a little town that became out Heart Home. The movers emptied the rooms yesterday and we'll spend our last two nights in a home offered to us by a friend. All those years were significantly life-changing, every summer a new variable, and every day's incidents, memorable ones. One daughter married her charming husband sixteen years ago on our back deck, and through the years, as the children came along, we added photos to the family album. From the playground across the street to trips to the zoo, all the many beaches, Maritime museums and sails in inlets with friends to a ride on the Bluenose, out to the ocean. With our newfound friends, we traveled to Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, the Madeleine Islands, Quebec City, and St John, New Brunswick. Friends we'd made on 365 came to visit and we introduced them to a step-back in time in Sherbrooke Village, a glass of wine out in Blue Rocks and photo safari's in the Autumn. The best vetted music students came here to study at the Lunenburg Academy of Musical Performance and we helped to provide housing and made them welcome. We held dinner parties that included the instructors, some of the top musicians in their field, and their students have gone on to build distinguished careers of their own. Our local friends had moved here from countries including, South Africa, England, Italy, Scotland, Switzerland, Finland, and Australia, not to mention the United States and elsewhere in Canada! This U.N.E.S.C.O. site, brought tourists each summer and lavished on them a weekly list of entertainment opportunities and musical events, all to which we were also privy! Music concerts in the bandstand across the street were within easy access for our visiting company, or enjoyed by sitting in the living room next to an open window. We were blessed on all sides by some of the kindest, most loving and delightful neighbours money can't buy...they were a Gift.
And so, on our last day as homeowners in town, we'll drop in for last good-byes and have dinner at a favorite restaurant in Mahone Bay with the Carpenter who made our home improvements and became our engaging friend. Years ago he began calling me "Mom", and as happens in families, we'll sign the papers to our car over to him tonight. We'll head out tomorrow morning, US-bound to visit our daughter and grandkids another time.
Your narrative brought tears to my eyes and at the same time joy to my heart - what wonderful memories and experiences you were so lucky to have - best wishes for the next part of your journey :)
Such a lovely, poignant, farewell to your Heart Home, Louise. Oh the memories (and photos 🥰) you will treasure forever. You can surely say that you and Ken had the best of both of your worlds those 22 years.
What a fabulous narrative as usual but this one made me cry! So many fabulous memories of your time in your Heart Home. A place you introduced me to and which I grew to love too. I will miss your stories of your adventures in Lunenburg! Safe journey to Heather’s and enjoy a much deserved rest when you get there! Much love dear friends xx❤️
I will miss the photos and stories from Lunenberg. I passed that way once and got a few good photos. And it's memory stayed with me. Wish I had known you then.
Your narrative gave me goose bumps. What a lovely story, but you will continue making memories wherever you go. Home is where the heart is, but also where you hang your hat. Big cyber hugs to you on your emotional farewell to Lunenburg.
Louise...you make your home and town of Lunenburg sound so magical that it made me cry. I have a hard time saying goodbye but you handled it with grace. Cherish those memories. Big Hugs!
There are tears in my eyes reading your story, what an amazing 22-summers you have had in this remarkable little town. I wish I had visited you like other 365ers (as an ex Canuk I’ve never been to NS😔). And I also think this capture and title perfectly fits the narrative. Bonne chance and safe travels home
Oh, I can so relate to what you must be going through. Much of what you describe captures what it's felt like to be on Beaver Island, and I cannot imagine what it will be like to someday pack up and leave. I've loved your photos from there and am sad we never had a chance to visit you there. Wishing you many joyous memories moving forward as you use your summer time in different ways.
What a beautiful "goodbye", Louise. I wish I would have known you the summer we spent in Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. I too gathered awesome memories of that magical place. I am sure you gave more than you took from the wonderful friends you made there and they will always be with you in your heart. Get well soon!
September 25th, 2023
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