by Sue Hodgson –
Returning home to the Maritimes, as I did last month, always fills me with a profound mix of nostalgia and warmth. This trip seemed particularly special because it centred around my sister’s 60th birthday and her retirement. I reconnected with family, sharing stories about our younger life and reminiscing about our parents who passed away years ago. As we sat around the open fire with my sister and brother, looking at old photos, we laughed and cried over stories of mom’s famous cooking and dad’s corny jokes at the kitchen table. Each memory seemed to make time stand still, even as time continues its relentless march forward. Leaving the Maritimes was bittersweet.
As I boarded the plane back to Sidney, I carried with me not only the memories of home, but I felt a real renewed sense of purpose and energy. Back home, I seemed to ease into the swing of things with Seaside and deadlines, and with my new role at Canadian Tire adding another layer of meaning to my return. Seaside is not just a magazine, and Canadian Tire isn’t just a store: both are about connecting with the community. Much like the open fire back home in the Maritimes, they’re about sharing stories with our readers and customers alike. I look forward to fostering new relationships while carrying forward the values instilled in me by my parents: kindness, resilience and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
Coming back to the Peninsula was tough, and really it might be my age, as we see life through such a different lens as we grow older. Maybe a lot wiser? I hope so! In a quiet moment gazing over the Sidney waterfront, walking my sweet puppy George, I felt a deep sense of belonging. Home doesn’t have to be a place on a map; it’s a mix of memories, stories and the people who shape us. As I embark on this new chapter, I know that wherever life leads me, the Maritimes will always be the anchor to which I could return. My family expects me not to wait another six years before I visit again!
Photo by Janis Jean Photography. Clothing provided and styled by Moden Boutique.
Shot on location at Port Sidney; with thanks to Freedom Marine Yacht Sales.
