We lived in Nova Scotia for 2 and a half years. It was life changing. In many communities, even passing people on the street means eyes down and feet moving. In Nova Scotia, standing in line for Tim’s or entering an elevator meant you’d soon know a great deal more about the person next to you. Whether you cared to or not. It’s a culture of openness, unpretentiousness and curiosity. Not problem or crime free, but a society that values human connections and family and caring about each other more than I ever experienced before and have since seen. There’s a heritage based pride in all Maritimers. I sum it up to say, it’s the friendliest place I’ve ever been.

That makes it all the more difficult to process the fact that the province will forever be known as the location of the worst mass shooting in Canadian history. It seems to be the last place I could think of to have this happen.

There have been many hard days in Nova Scotia. Mining disasters, explosions, hurricanes, blizzards, aviation accidents and fisherman lost at sea to name a few, but with every hardship, comes hope. It’s a belief that the community will rally together and heal.

That will be the case now. As it always has been in times of adversity.

I have many friends and acquaintances that I’m thinking about and I wish you all peace and comfort.

On nights like tonight, I find comfort in music. These lyrics felt right. There are many versions of this song, but I’m partial to The Rankin Family.

Fare thee Well, love
Fare thee Well, love
Far away, you must go
Take your heart, love
Take your heart, love
Will we never meet again no more?
Far across, love
Far across, love
O’er mountains and country wide
Take my heart, love
Take my heart, love
No one knows the tears I’ve cried
So I’ll drink today, love
I’ll sing to you, love
In pauper’s glory, my time I’ll bide
No home or ties, love
A restless rover, if I can’t have you
By my side
Oh come back, love
Oh come back, love
The sun and moon
Refuse to shine
Since I’ve gone, love
Gone away love
This lonely girl has had no peace of mind
So I’ll drink today, love
I’ll sing to you, love
In pauper’s glory, my time I’ll bide
No home or ties, love
A restless rover, if I can’t have you
By my side
Fare thee well love, fare thee well love Fare thee well, fare thee well
Far away, you must go. Far away you must go
Take my heart, love Take my heart
Take my heart, love Take your heart
Will we never meet again no more? Will we never meet again no more?
Will we never meet again no more? Will we never meet again no more?

#stayhome #staystrong #novascotia