I watched the sun set for the last time for a few months on Sunday, the 8th of April. My flight back to Alert left early Monday morning at 0400 and we gathered at the AMU at 0200. I watched the minutes pass one at a time and took in my last few breaths of civilization. I don't really think I was ready to go back yet.
I spent my leave enjoying many laughs with friends and family and a trip into the Dominican sunshine. It was really nice to just feel free again. You don't realize how much you miss being able to call people for longer than a half an hour, to drive further than the confines of a station, to be able to be outside without freezing your butt off and to be able to be with family and those you care about. I wasn't ready to go back to the frozen world I gladly left in March, but yet here I was, heading back.
I sat, safely tucked into the C17 plane waiting for the roar of the engines to lift us up and away. I unfortunately had my iPod on shuffle and naturally it stopped on a sad song that tugged at my heart strings. The tears welled into my eyes and as I blinked they fell onto my scarf. I really didn't want to leave this time, I really really really didn't. Once we were airborne, I put on my snow suit and curled into a ball on the floor and slept most of the flight. It was a great way to pass the time as I was absolutely exhausted.
Now that I'm back in Alert, I am doing okay. I still feel the ache of missing home and those I love and I still can't listen to sad songs but I'm doing okay and getting back into the routine again. Often I wander in my thoughts to how much fun I had over the past few weeks and when I close my eyes I take myself to a different place. Although Alert is a beautiful and such an amazing experience the toll of being far from home is definitely a hard price to pay.
I look forward to exploring again, learning more about this unique place, spending time with friends that I have made here and as I watch the sun circle in the sky, I know it's going to be okay. :)
I am glad you had such a lovely time at home (and in the Dominican = fun!), although I can only imagine how difficult it was to go back! Let me know any requests for fun things I could send you, and another care package will be on its way!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time at home, but sad for you to leave the people you love once again. At least you know they are always waiting for when you go home again :)
ReplyDeleteThink of your trip as hump day Wednesday; it's all downhill to the weekend!
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Ouch..so sad but atleast it won't be forever and soon you'll be back home again. I know you'll make the best of it and I'll look forward to your "cool" posts when it's hot here and we'll be wishing for some relief from the heat and humidity! I'm glad you had fun with family and a trip to the Dominican sounds like a really great time!
ReplyDeleteSNIFFS AND TEARS FOR YOU I CAN ONLY IMAGINE!
ReplyDeleteBONNIE D
Hey Babe .... Looking pretty hot in those pictures better keep it under wrap so you don't melt the polar ice cap. Like we said during our drive to the airport the trip home was way too short and we all miss you but are happy for the things you are experiencing in life. To be part of the first Relay for Life event at Alert will warm the soul knowing that you are making a difference in the life of others. Really looking forward to seeing the pictures you will take in the everlasting daylight and remember that this may be your only chance in life to ever experience this part of the world so don't waste anytime in the negative folds. Let the suns rays shine through any darkness you encounter. Can't wait for the next trip away as I will be in attendance. Take care of yourself, Love you always and forever DAD. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteReally missing you Babe. Had a wonderful time on your holiday. Good job with the Relay For Life. Can't wait for June!!!
ReplyDeleteoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Hi sweetheart
ReplyDeleteMy heart was tugging at me when we said good-bye at the airport, It seemed much harder this time, I think it is because we had such a stress free visit. Hard to great grouchy in the sun, eh. I am glad you slept before you got back, you obviously needed it. Keep that positive attitude going and it is good to see your relay is off to a great start. Sent off a couple of packages on fri, just something to look forward to. Love you soooo much Mom xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxo PS girls from the lake said to say hello!
Hello! My name is Hayley. I'm commenting because I wanted to say hi, and wow, your blog is really awesome. I found it because I'm doing some internet searches on Canada for some travel later this year (I'm from New Zealand), and I saw Alert on the map. "No one could possibly live there, could they?" I thought, but then I googled, and lo, here you are. What a unique experience you're having, and your pictures range from cheery to exciting to dreamlike - it's very inspiring to me. Thanks for putting this part of your life up for others to see. Good luck with the next few months!
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