We live storied lives and our stories are a powerful way to help us understand our world, inspire us and create solid connections with each other. Whether it is a parable from Aesop’s fables or a lyric laden country western song, storytelling is universal. Stories transport us from the mundane to the extraordinary and often allow us to walk in someone else’s shoes. Stories assist us in making sense of what can seem an illogical world. Certainly, telling our stories during this current pandemic could provide a vital connection to each other and perhaps strike a collective nerve. And if we are lucky enough they could help us escape to another reality.

Who does not have “that” friend who can be relied on to tell a great anecdote remembered from the past or maybe embellished from the present. With the current concern about “fake news” I can understand some reluctance to rely on the veracity of a personal narrative. But the reality is that stories whether factually accurate events or aggrandized versions of authenticity, are an opportunity to recognize reflections of ourselves and learn about each other.

It seems I have become a blog writer and the truth is – it was the result of happenstance. First of all, when covid hit I really would have been hard pressed to define the word blog let alone have a clue about how to create one. In fact, my grandson Ryder was working on a school project that required him to write a blog. I made the deduction that it was an assignment to write a paragraph or two about some particular topic. Over the years I have taught grade six, grade three and adults preparing to write their GED. I understood the importance of creative writing and was pleased that respect for writing and telling stories was enjoying a renewed respect. My blogs are basically personal stories often rooted in the past with links to today.

My recollection of starting this blog was a chance text with one of my American friends just about the time we became aware of the Covid threat. My husband and I were in Palm Desert on Sunday March 15. We were looking forward to a yearly birthday celebration on St Patrick’s Day with our friend – intentionality and appropriately named Patrick. We were happily anticipating his annual birthday celebration when Covid issues were emerging. Canadians are for the most part compliant with government directives. Our Canadian national “motto” is “Peace, order and good government.” So when our Prime Minister summoned us home due to Covid concerns- the good government piece kicked in so… home we went.

The day after we arrived back in our home town I was connecting with one of south of the border friends. We were musing about the Covid threat and jokingly shared how we might write a blog about the whole situation. My friend texted this as her possible initial blog:

“I can start the blog by saying, when I watch TV and see how people actually leave the house, hug their friends and family- just do normal things…I can’t believe that we are living like this. It is very lonely.”

There are countless media stories that highlight how the Covid pandemic has created a new reality. From uplifting stories about neighbours helping neighbours to young children setting up lemonade stands to raise money to provide face masks to health providers, the narratives capture differing responses.

In keeping with the story theme I want to offer a sequel to the story I told about my friend Deb and her husband that I previously recounted. Here is the recap.

Deb’s husband Craig was scheduled to return to Edmonton from Switzerland where he is currently working. He planned to stay for three weeks, the first two of which required self isolation. At the last minute Craig heard that the Swiss government could require him to isolate upon his return to Lausanne. So the staff at Craig’s office who are accustomed to organizing international travel booked Deb’s flight scheduled for last Sunday departing in the early morning.

The evening before her departure, Deb attempted to print her boarding pass but was denied. Thinking that this was a minor inconvenience resulting from Covid restrictions she was not overly concerned. Soon she would learn differently!

On her departure day Deb arose at 3:15 am and determined not to miss her daily running regime, completed a 45 minute run on the treadmill. In Alberta, early mornings in July burst through the darkness around 5 -5:30 am. Deb drove the 35 minute airport run with the sun shining – such a promising day.

The Edmonton airport was deadly quiet that day and Deb was happy to see there was no line up at the check in desk . Despite her required face protection, my friend approached the Air Canada agent with an undetectable smile. She handed the agent her passport and began to load the heavy suitcases she had packed. The representative keyed in Deb’s travel information. Although the agent was masked, Deb could see her furrowed brow. A warning sign had appeared on the Air Canada computer: Entry Denied!

The story of why this happened is not entirely clear. Certainly Air Canada was not aware of why a Canadian was denied entry to Switzerland. Should she have needed a visa, was this a new Covid issue that sprung up overnight? The Swiss travel site indicated that Canadians were free to enter Swiss territory.

The Air Canada agent valiantly retried entering Deb’s travel details. Encountering no success she called her supervisor but to no avail. Deb retrieved her bags and drove back home.

On her drive back to Edmonton Deb gave me a call. She knew Craig would feel let down. But always one to be ready with a laugh, Deb quipped “ My kids will be most disappointed!’

Originally I had intended this blog to be a tale about travel during Covid. For some reason the theme song from a Western tv show aired between 1957 and 1963 came to mind. The lyrics of the chorus were “Paladin Paladin – Where do you roam? – Paladin Paladin – far far from home.” This old song may not be a profound story but what could be it’s takeaway? Here is my thought:

During this unusual year we may all feel “far far from home.” But I am confident our stories will keep us connected, humanize us and help us find commonality.

“So powerful is our impulse to detect story patterns that we see them even when they are not there.”

So click in the music video below. Sometimes our stories just have to be hokey !!!