We instinctively ran into a dollar store and purchased some Canadian flags, spoons and pots, then ran around banging them and cheering with the flags draped around us like capes.
“Let’s go downtown!” my friend said.
We hopped in the car and stopped at my house to drop off a few things. Michelle saw our energy and said, “I want to go too!”
“Okay.”
Our impulsive trip slowed down as we dressed Celia in all red, packed her a snack and a change of clothes, and prepared her stroller. By the time we left the house there were five of us (our housemate also joined us), and we drove to the sky-train honking and waving flags, being cheered on by everyone around.
Celia was covered in Canadian stickers, as was Michelle. We crowded into the train and emerged into the cacophonic streets downtown, amazed at the sheer wave of red and the constant cheering. I smiled and high-fived a guy walking past. When we heard music we danced and banged on our pots. The further we walked, the crazier it felt.
At one point a guy with a professional video camera started filming me and my friend. I got a text message last night from someone I haven’t talked to in a long time who wrote, “Bro! You were briefly on TV banging pots & pans! lol!”
But then, when we arrived at the main drag where everyone had been headed there were police everywhere, and the street was so mobbed we could barely move. Michelle pulled Celia out of the stroller and strapped her onto her pregnant belly.
I shook my head and craned over to Michelle, “Let’s not go into the crowd.” I pointed at a nearby door, “Let’s get out at Sears.”
She nodded and started walking forward. A police officer leaned over and advised her to turn around. Michelle pointed at the open door, “I’m going to Sears.”
“Good luck,” he said with a shake of the head.
Sure enough, that last few steps took us a couple of minutes. I tried to protect her from the jostling as best I could. One woman was pushed into Michelle and Celia’s eyes took on a look of fear that I’ve only seen once before – it was the same look she had the first time a highland cow came right up to her, with all its long brown hair and big horns.
Thankfully, once Michelle got inside and away from it all, our daughter calmed considerably. We went home after that. We’d had our fill, for sure. I suppose I’d have stayed longer if I hadn’t brought Celia, but I don’t regret bringing her.
Michelle told Celia that night, “You’re going to remember this, aren’t you?”
“Really?” I said.
“Well, yes.” Michelle looked at me. “This was a very memorable day.”
I shrugged my shoulders. I’ll be curious to see what sorts of things she remembers and what she doesn’t. But I will certainly remember. And one of the things I’ll remember is my daughter’s cute face, covered in Canadian stickers, as she stared with awe at the wild variety of sights and sounds.
Celia and Michelle are leaving town soon for a couple of weeks. I’ll miss them both terribly; Michelle, of course, but mostly Celia, in all honesty. I will miss watching her grow and experience new things in these two weeks. So much development happens in no time at all, I’m sad to be missing out on those moments. I’m sad that we’ll be apart for so long.
But even though I know I’ll miss them terribly, I have to admit that on my way to work today I was smiling and dreaming of all the things I can do in the next two weeks. All the outdoor activities, music, writing, reading, and friends to hang out with.
When you have a child, two weeks becomes a long time.
I’ll take what I can get.
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