Early this morning, on the 29th of September 2023, I received a call from John. He informed me about the revised working schedule for the upcoming week. It was one of those days when I was still half-asleep when the phone rang, but John's update managed to shake me awake.
Shortly after, I received a text message from Joemar, conveying the same information. As I replied to Joemar's text, I couldn't resist asking him about his preparations for his upcoming vacation. It's always exciting to hear about travel plans, especially in these times.
I found myself arriving at the workplace not long after, and before diving into my shift, I took a quick glance at my phone. There it was, a message from Joe, asking if I had any free time today. He suggested we go to Kitsilano Beach in the afternoon. Without hesitation, I agreed, setting our rendezvous for 2:30 p.m.
The day at work passed by busily, and despite a slight delay of 10 minutes, I managed to finish my shift on time. I called Joe to let him know I was ready to meet up. It didn't take long for Joe and Mercy to arrive and pick me up from my workplace. The excitement in the air was palpable as we headed towards the beach.
On our way, Joe stopped by McDonald's to grab some coffee and snacks, which we savored while cruising to our destination. As we reached Kitsilano Beach, I was surprised to see it bustling with activity even on a weekday. The waves crashing against the shore and the brisk sea breeze made for a delightful setting.
It dawned on me that the last time I visited the beach was during the height of summer when the trees were lush and green. Today, those very trees were shedding their leaves, a reminder of the changing seasons. It stirred memories of my childhood in the village, where I'd help my mom collect tree leaves in bamboo baskets for our cows and calves.
The rustling leaves, the gusts of wind, and the rhythmic ocean waves were all poignant reminders of life's impermanence. Our trio decided to explore further and ventured behind the beach to discover a small park. In the park's center, we spotted a museum, but unfortunately, it was already closed for the day.
As we were all first-time visitors, we took some photographs and captured a few video clips to preserve the memories. The scene had an uncanny resemblance to my hometown, especially in terms of the plants grown around, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness.
As we walked along the path, I noticed some familiar plants that grew in my village. It was a strange feeling to find a piece of home so far away. Joemar shared that he had a cousin on a ship waiting near the beach in the sea. They were there to drop off supplies, as several ships were anchored, waiting their turn to pass beneath the Lion's Gate and dock at Waterfront.
Joe's cousin would be stuck there until Tuesday, the 2nd of October, 2023, which coincided with Joe and Mercy's vacation to Mexico. They wouldn't be able to meet him in person, but being at the site gave them a sense of connection. It struck me that life can be ironic at times, with people being so close yet separated by various circumstances.
Being in their company, even for a short while, was always a wonderful experience. It made me appreciate the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment, whether it's a day at the beach or a chance encounter with loved ones.
No comments:
Post a Comment