Toronto the Good

Today is my last day in Toronto. I'm heading an hour east to spend a couple of days in Port Hope, where I lived from 2001 to 2004. My mother's family is there and a few good friends. I'm looking forward to visiting another ex-home.

I live in a small town and when I come to the Big City (this could be anywhere, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto) I like to take advantage of all it has to offer. I have done this in spades this past week. I'm officially overstimulated.

It's been a week of listening to endless sirens wailing. I heard a terrible story about a young man who was beaten and then run over and killed. I've listened to lots of fearful talk about H1N1 and seen people wearing surgical masks for protection. I saw a someone lying in a sleeping bag on a busy corner and I watched a man having an animated conversation with an imaginary person. His jeans were filthy and did not fit him and his hair was matted and wild.

I went to the theatre, twice. I saw a couple of brilliant films that made me weep. I took photographs of the sun glinting off the new Crystal at the ROM and the RBC building downtown. I ate vegan in Kensington Market, Thai at a home in the Annex and Japanese at College and Yonge. I connected with friends and family and I people-watched on subways, buses and streetcars.

This is an amazing city. There is so much going on all the time. It is constantly buzzing with human energy. I've had to take a few naps.

I met a woman yesterday who is really struggling in her life right now. She was full of pain. I am about to go and visit my friend who has breast cancer. My friends' daughter-in-law and grandson both have swine flu.

There are 2.48 million stories taking place simultaneously right here in the city. Another 3 million stories in the GTA. There are 25,000 people in Whitehorse, where I live. The contrast is stunning.

This past week has been more than just a trip I took to go to a wedding and do some business. It has brought me a deeper appreciation of all that I have and all that I am. I'm so alive today. I have perfect health. I am living a life of adventure and freedom. The words "thank-you" just don't cut it. But thank-you.

Inspiring Message of the Day: Travel can awaken us to ourselves and to the lives of others. Take a trip and see life anew.