Paradigm Shift

These surely are strange days. Stay-at-home orders, businesses closed, families separated, loved ones unable to hug during times of sorrow, kids forbidden from playing with friends. The ways in which our lives have been turned upside down is as myriad as the ways in which we’ve sought to maintain some sort of connection to each other.

My first two weeks back in Canada were spent totally alone yet in a familiar setting; the Bloomfield Bicycle Co. I had space to roam around, tasks to accomplish, a good wifi connection and a friendly neighbour who brought me food, beer and homemade cookies.. Apart from not being able to ride bikes, when I consider the situation of so many others, I know I had it easy.

But it wouldn’t last forever. With Kt and Rick returning to the BBC from the USA, I needed somewhere else to live for a couple of weeks. My sister-in-law, Ryanna, was quick to offer the Bowling suburban family home as a refuge. In order to ensure minimal possible exposure to the public as well as to put the mind’s of the neighbours at ease, I’ve been living in Ed and Ryanna’s basement for the past two and a half weeks. I only leave the property when I go for solo bike rides or take the boys for a walk. No visiting friends from safe distances, no trips back to my land in Prince Edward County. Just me, a family of five, a dog, and a world of uncertainty.

With my brother still working job sites(he’s a professional carpenter) and Ryanna busily working from home(she’s a health care data analyst), my life has become that of a live-in nanny. During the week I stay busy making sure the boys(ages 6, 8 and 9 1/2) get their school-work assignments completed and oftentimes prepare lunch. I take the boys(and the dog, Winny) for walks and bike rides. I play endless hours of Lego and am constantly being asked questions that begin with “Uncle Al…?” I also do household chores as much as one can when living in someone else’s home, not wanting to mess things up or put things in the wrong place.

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On weekends and occasional evenings, I attempt to escape the house on the bike to enjoy some of the peace, quiet and alone time that my lifestyle has long afforded me. Going from living alone in a van in the desert, surrounded by silence and vast landscapes, I now live in the basement of a loud suburban home, my only contact with a family of five. While I love them all, these rides have certainly kept me sane.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. While it’s been a struggle at times, I know I’ve got it pretty easy when compared to many others. The opportunity to spend this much time with my darling nephews has been remarkable. I feel so much closer to them all, each relationship a unique bond I cherish ever-more each day. My brother and I have had the chance to enjoy some good brotherly conversations, while I’m hoping this time to continues to grow the relationship I enjoy with my sister-in-law.

Today is my last day here in the ‘burbs. Later this afternoon I will head back to Prince Edward County, to Bloomfield and to work at the bike shop that will open tomorrow. I am full of anxiety and trepidation. What will work look like? Can we take sufficient measures to keep ourselves safe, healthy and sane? Will there even be enough work to justify my employment? Will we drive each other nuts as we negotiate the new normal that seems to change every few days?

I know none of these things, despite my need to understand where I stand and the expectations being made of me. I also know that really, I’ve got it pretty easy, that the love of neighbours and family have been showered upon me during this time of great uncertainty.

In a few hours time, my paradigm will shift again, taking me in another unfamiliar direction but with those whom I love and know well. It’s a struggle, for us all and in such different ways. But, we are resilient, we are resourceful and caring. We will survive, prosper and thrive. All of us. Even you.