Joan, my grandmother, was the first person to foster a deep love of the outdoors in me. Every time we went to visit, I knew the trip was going to be filled with hikes, nature walks, and time spent on the beach and water at the local lake. I couldn't contain my excitement as I spilled out of the car to rush to her after the long drive from Saskatoon to Calgary- where she would always be waiting at the front door. It seemed like magic to me at the time that she always seemed to know right when we had pulled up (although I realize now our old Toyota Corolla wasn't the most silent of cars and she probably heard us a block away.
When I was at grandma's, I knew everything would be an adventure. She'd take me to feed the black capped chickadee's, or for a paddleboat ride. I was never bored, and if I ever came close she could keep me entertained with stories from her past for hours on end. I'll miss her gentle kindness, her strength of character, and her joyful heart very much, but I'll always cherish the memories of summers spent in her backyard, making up games and soaking in the sunlight.
