Canada Day at Bronte

My friend is having a holiday in Costa Rica with his daughters and a few friends. As he was about to leave he came over to my home and tossed the keys to his boat on my lap.He offered the use of the boat while he was away and specially on Canada day. You see, this boat is really a cottage on the water and is docked directly in front of the platform from which the fireworks are launched.

I love the boat and accepted the offer. Weather was a problem as rain and a lightening storm was predicted. I invited all the family to come with Theresa and I to watch from the great vantage point, all the celebrations. Most accepted but as the time came closer the folks dropped off one by one. We decided to go to the boat anyway and probably stay over for the night.

Our bad weather turned out to be marginal at most and we arrived at the marina loaded down with supplies for the overnight stay. Our accommodations can only be described as opulent and the view spectacular. As we walked the length of the marina dragging our baggage we noticed a special feeling creeping into our bones. We were returning to the water and the association of this media flooded back to days when I lived in and on the Ottawa River. It is a good feeling and only those who have experienced it can know just how good and peaceful it is.

We settle in, admiring the sail boats passing by only feet from us, silently except for the gentle sounds of a light wind flowing through the rigging. A swan and some geese with their young turn out for the fireworks and folks dressed for rain leading their leashed dogs began to form a line along the breakwater.

Young children, oblivious to the weather, chased each other with joyful squeals and dogs sniffed at new scents and met new partners. It was the picture of happiness. There was a feeling of high expectation in the air. A band blared at a bored audience and speeches about the greatness of our Canada fell on ears already saturated with the rhetoric which was relentless during the last few days. We were waiting for the fireworks.

Finally, the mayor led the crowd in the singing of O Canada. Then the countdown starting at 10. The whole place stood still for a second then...10, 9, ...1. At 1 there was a blast - perfectly timed - and the show was on. Ooh's and every sound expressing that satisfaction you get from watching the fireworks were heard. Twenty five minutes later it was over with the finale, a crashing, banging light show ending as it always does with horns blowing and hand clapping as if to congratulate each other for a job well done. For a short while we were all Canadians participating in our birthday party.

Theresa and I watched the people walk away amid positive comment and soon it was quiet again. We sat out for some time quietly musing about the events of the day and about our country. We were satisfied that we live in a good place and decided to go to sleep with these memories freshly in our minds.