The boathouse. With Grampa Geoff docking his speedboat - Alberta Crude.
This is always one of the saddest days of the year. For this is the day that I give Tracey, Jack and Amanda their ride to the airport for the annual summer long adventure in Muskoka.
In past years I have been so melancholy as I drove back down the Deerfoot on the way to the office. It actually has been incredibly painful in the past. And the saddest part is when I eventually have to leave the office and head back to a very messy, but very empty home. Opening the door for the first time is a viscerally negative sensation that I have yet to get used to. This house is noisy, and messy and full of chaos, and when they go it all becomes very quiet. Still messy, but that quiet messy that you just can't shake for a few days.
And even worse, I'm no good with simple, quiet and messy.
But I'm learning to get more comfortable with serenity and calm. And I think this is partially why I am not as sad about them being far away.
But to be honest, there is probably a more accurate reason that the green eyed monster hasn't shown up yet. I'm going to be a man of leisure. I'm heading out to Muskoka to rest and relax for six weeks.
And while I have always been a bit jealous of their summer tradition, I must say, it is one of the things I am most proud of as the provider in the family. Their memories and the family bond are stronger as a result. And if they are happy, then I am happy.
Of course, I'm going to be even happier once I am out there with the team.