"Nearly one year ago, Lauren and I were married
beneath an oak tree in her parents’ backyard. We just celebrated our one-year
anniversary at a lovely Calgary bistro called Cucina.
The evening also marked a farewell. For
much of September, Lauren will be in Qatar. In Doha, she’ll work in a cardiac
unit at a hospital as part of her final semester in the University of Calgary’s
nursing program.
That much you know. What’s less clear – to
judge by the raised eyebrows in some corners – is what I think about the trip.
I’ll tell you: I think it’s wonderful.
A bit of background: Before we decided to
get married, Lauren and I agreed that traveling independently was something we
both valued. We also like exploring new cities together, of course, but there’s
something special about arriving in a new place with only your wits as a guide.
(Long before we met, Lauren volunteered at a women’s shelter in Nepal. I worked
on a blueberry farm in New Zealand).
My wife is leaving this week for the Middle
East at a particularly volatile time (Google Syria and chemical weapons and
you’ll be up to speed). There’s good reason to be worried – if you only read
headlines. But I’m trying to resist the urge to conflate one country – its
people, cities and culture – in the region with another. Which only makes
sense. After all, we would hardly judge Canada by the actions of one province,
never mind the decisions made by a lone Member of Parliament from Calgary
Southwest. Or maybe we would.
Regardless, I feel lucky my partner is
engaged in the wider world. I’m a richer person for it."
You two are a precious bunch!
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