Montreal 2013 - A trip back home - Part 1

For years I eluded you but then the time came where I was summoned by my parents to visit. Though I was excited but felt nervous to go back home. A place that served a plethora of joyous and destructive memories.

As the plane came down in altitude beyond the clouds I began to see the natural beauty Canada possesses. The land reminded me of a mosaic pattern that you often find in stained glass windows on a church. From the greens, yellows to the cool blues of the river that flowed like a serpent on the land.

We started to approach Montreal. My eyes started wandering in search of landmarks that triggered a flood of memories. I noticed Mount Royal, a place where I visited several times with family and friends. It was considered the lookout on Montreal. You were able to see the vivacious city from above. We flew over the Olympic stadium and crossed over the Old Port. From there I got a good view of Montreal downtown. Though small is comparison to cities in the US but by far it is incomparable in terms of multiculturalism, the food and bustling lifestyle.

I finally made my way out of the airport and was welcomed by a cool and fresh breeze. It tickled and soothed my skin. Coming from 105 (45) degree whether, it put a smile on my face. I was greeted by my younger brother who now towers over me. He pulled up, got out and gave me a bear hug.

As we got closer to my house I noticed numerous newly built shopping centers and condos. Chomedey, Laval was indeed and alive and kicking. I noticed a lot of hijabis driving and walking around. Due the French being anal about the language laws they opened up their doors to arab countries that primarily speak French. This is not really a bad thing because we now we have much more Halal restaurants!

As we drive by the streets I can see my childhood playing itself out. I visualize my younger self riding away on my bike. I was always fond on riding. You would always catch me with a big smile dashing down the streets in between parked cars, across peoples front yards and down the stairs of the mini shopping strip. I was carefree! No worries and no responsibilities. It was just my best friend Jason and the road.

We pulled up in front of my house. I notice the usual blossoming flowers and the garden my mom would scrupulously maintain. The buoyant plants and flowers were carelessly sun tanning while the small meticulously placed gnome like animals stood on guard. Scaring off the local stray cats and squirrels that occasionally swing by out of curiosity.

The front door opened and was welcomed with a loving hug and kiss by my mom. The air swooshed out and tingled my nostrils from the spices being cook. Ah yes, I am home. As with any mother she was frantically preparing all kinds of meals, she hurried back into the kitchen and disappeared.

My dad then greeted me with a hug and a pat on the back. The bits and pieces of my somber childhood roared through my head, I closed my eyes and tried to enjoy his love.

Every corner and every sound was triggering memories like rain drops hitting a windshield while driving. One after another they just kept on flushing through my mind. From the arguments in the hallway to the window I would sneak out from late at night in my bedroom. No matter what, I would not be able to call any other place home.

The weather was too welcoming to keep me inside. I quickly changed and headed out to the backyard. The first thing I did was take of my slippers and walk on the cool green grass with my bare feet. Unlike Dallas the grass is short, hard and thorny. Canadian grass was thin, dark green, fresh and soft. It is truly amazing the things you notice once they are gone.

I sat there rocking back and forth in the rocking chair looking at every corner, every window, every house that surrounded ours and thoughts of my crazy yet innocent childhood overwhelmed me. The small pool my younger brother and I used to play in. During thunder storms we would take my dads blue tarp and create a tent over the pool using a broomstick. The shattering sounds of the thunder and the flashes of the lightning would frighten us but yet we felt safe in a not so safe pool. Yes, we were young and not so bright!

I thought about the homemade swing we made under the gallery. How I would climb up the metal railing and one eventful day my brother and friends decided to tie my feet with the swing and take off to the front yard, leaving me to myself. After realizing they weren't coming back and there was no way I can lean down and untie myself I had no choice by to take the jump. Once I lept off the rail only then did I realize there was not enough rope for me to land safely. The rope stiffened and WHACK I hit the cement floor like a sack of potatoes while still being hung upside down.

As soon as that memory faded I looked up and saw the clothes line. Right then a there another memory took over. I recall not being more than 10 years old. I was outside in the back and no one was around. For some reason I felt the urge to hang onto the clothes line and glide over the railing and onto the grass. I thought once I pass the railing I'd let go and land on the grass, easy, smeazy. From the gallery, I reached up and grabbed the line. I took a stepped back and analyzed the course of action. Once I was comfortable with the execution of it I moved forward and jumped. I didn't make it past 2 feet, the cable snapped and I felt down the stairs. In pain and disarray, I got up and ran to the front of the house so that I would remove myself from being embarrassed in the event a neighbor witnessed my stupidity and second, I would be able to deny the fact I was in the backyard to begin with.

I walked to the front yard and then all I of a sudden I remembered being harpooned like a helpless seal out of the water. My older brother had the brilliant idea of throwing a ski pole at me, seeing if he can hit his helpless target. Well he did, I was on the ground with a pool of blood pouring out of the left calf. Four young boys growing up under the same roof, what more can one expect!

To be continued...