When I arrived in Estevan, I called my friend Sandi and she met me at the Tim Horton's. She explained she was busy getting everything ready for an auction of their business inventory and that she visited her husband, Graham, every afternoon. Graham had a major stroke a couple of years ago. I was looking forward to seeing him. The last time I visited with them, all our children were young and now they are adults. My reply was, "I don't care what you're doing as long as I can tag along and spend time with you."
She lives on a gorgeous acreage on the edge of Estevan. Besides the house and the double garage, there's also a huge covered coral with attached offices which they used for their business. Down one side of the yard, a fence separates a large field from their lawn and the regal looking horses kept there visited me each day. I loved it.
That first afternoon, we popped in to see Graham. He lost his speech from the stroke but I could tell he recognized me and understood everything being said. My own son Kyle (who had a brain injury when he was three years old) cannot talk either but understands every word we say. It was such a gift to spend time with this terrific man, who (many, many years ago) had patiently taught my teenage son how to water ski. It took determination but Graham never gave up and was always encouraging - "Why did you fall this time?"... "ah, you swallowed a fly, keep your mouth closed and we’ll try again." "Oh, your shorts were coming down, well hitch them up and we'll give it another shot. ”I see, you lost your balance, well that happens. You want to go again?" It must have taken 20 tries before my son experienced success and then there was no holding him back. Kudos to my kid for not giving up and much gratitude to Graham for all his patience.
I treasure every minute spent with Sandi. Conversation came easily and time passed way too fast. The weather was good and in between transporting trucks to the auction and doing other important errands, we managed to squeeze in some relaxation and play time with their two wonderful dogs in the quiet, secluded back yard.
Estevan is an area rich in coal, oil, and gas. Some of the gigantic equipment used in coal mining is displayed at The Souris Valley Museum.
The night before I left, the sunset was magical. Sandi and I stood and watched as the mist hung in the air and everything touched by the setting sun shimmered and glowed like exquisite jewels.
I am so grateful I had these precious days with my two friends. Thank you Sandi for making room in such a busy schedule so I could visit. I hope we meet again soon.
Saskatoon was my next stop, and then home!
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