When I was traipsing in dusty old ghost towns in Saskatchewan last month or with my cousin Brian Lesko through many cemeteries in rural Manitoba, it repeatedly struck me that my life was about to change.
Sure, it was a great vacation but what was about to come was a moment that would redefine me. For more than three years I had been a citizen of Innisfail, and loved every minute of it.
Last May I was pondering a long out of country vacation, which wasn't new for me, as I have taken several in recent years. For more than three weeks I had committed myself to a month-long plan to backpack through Europe. It was to be the ultimate final fling at trying to recapture youth, the carefree days when it seemed almost anything was possible.
But then there was a notion. Since arriving in Innisfail I had been renting a wonderful suite on top of an old heritage building. I had great landlords and Top Cat was always happy with her accommodations. However, the notion, suddenly growing stronger by the hour, dictated a change was necessary. I had to become a homeowner again.
I got a realtor, and I was off on a new journey. This time to become a homeowner. I have owned homes before but they were always with a partner. This one would be just for me, and yes, for Top Cat as well. Some things just won't change.
The road to new homeownership took me to every corner of Innisfail and beyond. And while Innisfail was always my first choice, I also looked at homes in Spruce View, and then Bowden.
And then came the coolest place I ever saw – a 65-year-old home under renovation and upgrading in Bowden that had always been owned by one family. For me, this was a clear sign this was a home where there was longstanding love and commitment. It also had the coolest solarium and hot tub room – and plenty of room for Top Cat to roam. After hedging on putting in an offer for two weeks, it then struck me again that I could, should and would do this. The deal was made and completed in one night.
And then came possession day on Sept. 16. This was my new house. I live in it. It is all mine. Top Cat was outraged for two days, but she finally came around. The puss has become a true believer in what it means to have her own home. I am a Bowdenite. And while Bowden is a beautiful town there will always be Innisfail, the place that has always reminded me of an episode of Cheers, where everybody knows everybody's name.
The fact is that I will always be a citizen of this community. I work here. I buy my groceries here. I have treasured friends in this town. That's the thing about being a part of this town. One's heart never retreats from it. Once an Innisfailian, always an Innisfailian.
