the only moment

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a reflection of gratitude for a special visit out east
​at the only moment I could.

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for many people in Canada, living in the time of COVID-19 has meant two months of not going to visit other people, staying home as much as possible, and staying two metres apart from others when out for necessities like a walk in nature or a trip for groceries. as someone who lives at least a thousand kilometres away from many friends and relatives, connecting through virtual means has become essential. however, those who live in the same region as their loved ones are being particularly challenged having to make such adjustments. since humans are social beings, chats over tea, exchanging hugs, and gathering in groups was difficult for us to give up despite how these sacrifices keep ourselves and others safe.

when I moved from Maine to New Brunswick for university in 2008, it was into a community - my move to Yellowknife in 2012 meant a much smaller circle of in-person connections. I was grateful to have Kevin's parents and friends, and friends I made in Yellowknife, but it was still a big change. being in Yellowknife was the farthest I had ever lived from my parents' homes. my university had only been a three hour drive away, but getting to Yellowknife meant a solid day of flying. this distance, and the permanent residency process from 2013-2016, complicated matters when events out east would come up; attending the event would mean arranging more than just getting time off work.

logistical considerations continued even after we moved to Winnipeg, and effectively put an end to our travel outside of Canada for nearly eight years. despite applying to jobs regularly before we arrived, and moving with a good amount in savings, our first two years in Winnipeg were rocky. a strong network of family and friends, a well-managed apartment building, and Kevin's wonderful work environment, have helped what started chaotically become enjoyable. it was here in Winnipeg that I became a Canadian in 2019, which has ended our lingering immigration headache. in early 2020, when an opportunity arose to visit out east, it appeared the right time had come for me to visit once more and, after some considerations, Kevin and I booked my flight; that was the simple part.

since January 2020, there were indications that the world was becoming more complex due to COVID-19. by the time of my trip, the numbers of people infected by COVID-19 was increasing, and people had become worried about getting stranded abroad. on my flights to New Brunswick, some people were wearing masks and COVID-19 prevention information was circulating. by the time I had landed, universities had begun cancelling upcoming study abroad trips. in the days after I arrived, schools were getting shuttered, restaurants were reducing hours - then were closed, and talks of moving to virtual methods of delivering services, where possible, was underway - the "before times" were over.

each day of my visit, a new restriction came into place. the Queerly Grafted night went ahead, but in a smaller, altered format - the larger event was postponed. rumours circulated of the US-Canada land border closing. my trip across the border to Maine included a thorough questioning, and my trip back into New Brunswick included an information sheet on COVID-19 and the public health recommendations. the day I returned to New Brunswick, the US-Canada land border closed to everyone but Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and US citizens; the border has since closed to all non-essential travel.

these physical distancing measures will potentially be around for some time, so who knows when another viable moment would have appeared - I may have had to wait until 2022 or beyond. being able to see places, like the Atlantic ocean, and people, like my dad, that I hadn't seen in nearly eight years, was worth it. despite a shortened trip into Maine, and my flights being rescheduled twice, I am grateful I was able to go out east - at the only moment I could. to imagine such a trip now would be unrealistic at best and irresponsible at worst. hopefully people will take COVID-19 prevention measures seriously, and science and medicine will guide leaders, so that in-person gatherings have a chance to one day resume.

hope you are well.
​Chelsea

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