Liberation Tower
“I heard back from the Consulate,” I told Brian.
“Either the boys or one of us needs to be there in person, since they’re switching from child to adult passports.”
“What! Travel to another province? With all that’s going on with Covid?”
“I know! I don’t want to get Covid tests. They sound rough, and if we have to quarantine…” I tried to stay calm.
Although not under lockdown, we’d been intentional about keeping travel to a minimum and we’re definitely avoiding public transit.
Travel requirements seemed to be changing constantly, and I hadn’t been following what seemed a complex web of legalities. But now it was time to get answers. I dove into my new project and was pleased to find out travel would be much smoother than I thought – no test, no quarantine. I was even more pleased when Brian and I decided the best arrangement would be for me and my middle son to travel together.
My oldest signed a statement authorizing me to submit his passport application, a sign of the changing of time.
My middle son and I both love travel, so after navigating how to apply for passports from abroad, we hopped on a train and got to spend the week-end exploring a new city. Adjusting to the crowds, we enjoyed a break from what has become the monotony of my boys’ home life. Sometimes it seems with Covid and the obstacles to travelling back to Canada, their futures are on hold.
Two years ago, when we peered into times ahead, we saw the boys spending time in Canada, getting part time jobs and applying for driver’s licenses. We saw ourselves equipping them for their future. Instead, we’re all still here, in Asia. Their circle of friends has grown so small, as families have left the country, and those wishing to return are waiting for borders to open again. One day looks the same as the next, as my boys study online.
I grieve for them, and all they’ve lost during this time.
Yet, I cherish these extra months with my sons, knowing that once the doors open and free them to leave, life will never be the same again.
So I arrived at our destination with a sweet appreciation of my time with my son. Together, we explored the markets, gardens and rivers of the largest municipality in the world, Chongqing, China. Climbing up and down this city of stairs, built into the side of a mountain, we took in as much as we could. We submitted the passport applications one morning, then spent an hour on the Yangtze river that night. We even found foods we’d loved when the kids were young but hadn’t had in years.
Reliving memories from earlier days, we also made new ones.
A favourite was visiting the downtown, Jiefangbei, and sketching The Liberation WWII Tower, while my son took photos. After he captured the tower from many angles, I was still sketching. He took his place at my side, waited patiently as only a middle child does, and I sketched with many onlookers. One man came so close, when I turned we were face to face and I jumped. After that, as people peered over my shoulder, my son would warn me, and my six foot three boy became my bodyguard.
Life has changed so much. My son has changed so much. In the days when we ate those wraps regularly, I was the one protecting him, holding his hand when we crossed the road, or hugging him close when he was scared. But now, like the buildings that fill the downtown of Chongqing, he towers over me.
I finished the sketch as quickly as possible as I knew he was itching to explore. We jumped in line for ice-cream, our backs to the kiosk as we marvelled over new sites, together.
I loved being there with my son.
These moments of connection.
They satisfy deep within.
Our time was closing and I didn’t want it to slip away. I needed to lodge the moment into my memory. A souvenir perhaps, but nothing in the stores would fulfill. I promised myself to complete a drawing from this sketch when I returned home, pouring my heart onto the paper.
Though returning to a full schedule, I managed to carve out time to create this ink drawing, a memory of a trip that first seemed so overwhelming, but turned out to be incredibly special.
How about you? Have you had a special surprise during this season of lockdowns? Share in the comments below.
love this!
Thanks Grace!
Reading this, I felt as if I was right there with you Charity … seeing the sights, tasting the food and feeling the emotions. You have such a talent to draw the reader in.
Thanks mom, wish you were here! It’s hard for me to believe we’ve lived in our new home seven years, and you haven’t been able to visit. I remember when I was a young adult, a new place didn’t feel like home until I’d been able to share it with you. I still think of you every time I visit some place new. I’m glad I can share our home in this way ❤️
Loved this, Charity. And your artwork is fantastic as always. Glad to see you and your family are doing well.
Thanks Toni, you’re always so encouraging!
So glad you got a small outing. And time with your son. A great memory. And a great article. Keep on, my friend.
Thanks my writing friend ❤️
I agree with everything your mom just said Charity, about your special ability to draw us in with your story. Allowing us to feel the emotions and catch a glimpse of the life you live. Vicariously, which is all we have right now, you have allowed us our own special moments and memories with those we love and miss so much. You come by your gift honestly, Charity, I can still remember your mom’s awesome stories of her visits to see you back in the day. Reading them, I felt like I was there too. I’m a big fan of vicarious, if that’s all I’ve got. 🙂
Wow, thanks mom J. A and I were looking through pictures of the last time we visited you and it feels like so long ago. She remembers the puzzles and crocheting with you. We have a few puzzles on the go here, that we need your help with! So glad we can connect through blogging. Thanks for sharing my post ❤️
I’ll be right over!! I wish I could it’s been way too long. Soon, hopefully.
Thanks for sharing your story , pictures & your beautiful artwork. What a precious time with your son.
It was a special time. So nice to hear from you, Sharon!
Your images from Chongqing are beautiful, Charity! I can only imagine how fantastic it must’ve been to explore that place. All the houses on the mountainside remind me of something form an ancient fairy tale.
We hardly ever traveled, even before Covid. So I do feel a sense of disappointment for the years that have flown by without many special adventures to share with my husband and kids. But I do reflect fondly on the few we have shared. I suppose our greatest surprise of late was learning that we would not have to move (at least not immediately) from our ranch home. That was a true blessing and we are grateful.
Thanks Melissa, It was picturesque. Such an inspiring place to visit. I kept imagining all the things I could paint and write if I’d been able to stay longer.
I remember reading stories of ranch life when I was young and being so fascinated. I’m sure it makes it hard to travel, though. So glad you’re able to keep making your family home there.
Thanks for your description of a new city, as well as sharing many family memories. Of course all this brought back lots of memories from when I visited in 2017..
I so enjoyed spending time with my family in Asia. I will always remember the few days that B. and I spent in Hong Kong. Love you all!
Dear Charity, you got me hooked! I was reading an adventure novel and wanted more! Was mouth watering looking at the Shandong Snack. We are also homesick for China but still wandering and backpacking on the road for a year till the borders open. You capture the bitter sweet journey of saying goodbye so well. I felt the moment with you. I can hear your gentle voice as I read and picture you sketching and painting on the streets as we did at the park in China. Love you and miss you!
Miss you, Annie! The memories we have of learning and creating together are so special. Your family is amazing, backpacking and exploring so many countries in the midst of Covid! How many countries have you been to since we said good-bye? ❤️Charity
Thanks Dad. Your visit was such a special time. Whenever I visit a village I remember our walk together, and how you commented on every bit of space being used to grow vegetables. I’m so glad you have good memories of your trip with Brian to Hong Kong! We still hope you can come again. There’s so much more for us to share with you 🙂
I enjoy your photos and artwork and descriptions. Thank you for sharing them! My latest surprise of late was getting to meet Rebekah in person from our writing group!