Carpe Diem

What. A. Whirlwind.

Just like that, I find myself back at Toronto Pearson Airport waiting to fly home to New Zealand.

Five days at home was never going to feel like a long trip. While it was short, it sure was sweet. The knowledge that my visit was on the clock made me appreciate the time I did have with a new gusto. I slept little and made my most of every special moment with family and friends.

I had a manicure date with my mom, and coffee with my parents.

I did the running man with my sister (and documented it with a Polaroid photo).

I curled my five year old niece's hair and relished in the moment when her eyes lit up when she realized how beautiful she looked in her flower girl dress.

I watched my two year old niece sleep with her bum stuck up in the air.

I snuggled with my furry four legged nephew, Norm.

I had dinner with my wonderful friend Barb and her "life partner" Chris; and laughed as her dogs inspected my luggage with the intensity of an airport inspection dog. Maybe they were trying to find one of the cats who had climbed into it.

I had breakfast with my best friend Alex in Prince Edward County, a place that I truly love. I listened in awe as she shared her plans to raise even more money towards the fight against cancer.

I drove a luxury car through a rain/snow storm in April.

I danced with my father.

Most importantly, I saw my brother marry his best friend. How great is that?

For months, patients and friends have been telling me that it wouldn't be worth traveling so far for such a short time.

But as I laughed, cried, danced, celebrated, and talked with the people who I hold dearest to my heart, I felt like every moment I spent in Canada had justified every hour spent on the plane.

In life, we take what we get, and I am grateful I got a chance to make this trip.

Thank you to everyone who made it so special.

:)