When I was 18 years old, my mother sat me down in my room. Our relationship is a close one – we tell each other everything. A million thoughts started racing through my mind.
What was she about to tell me? Was someone sick? Did someone pass away?
It was something I never expected to come out of her mouth – she told me that I had a brother. He was 33 years old and lived in Squamish, a long way from my home in Niagara Falls, Ont.
I instantly started balling – confused and shocked, but also thrilled.
My mother explained that he was born while she was in high school and she had to give him up for adoption. I was puzzled – how did I not know about this? How could it have been kept a secret for so long? She went on to say they were able to contact each other a week prior and that he was coming to meet us all.
The visit went very well – you never know how these things are going to turn out.
I received a message from him a few weeks later inviting me to come out to Squamish and meet the rest of the family.
In one day, my family got bigger – a new brother, a sister-in-law, a nephew and another nephew on the way. I had never been to B.C. before. I was so excited. From the moment I landed, I fell in love with the atmosphere and adventurous environment. Throughout the week I would work for him, and on the weekends we went on day trips, consisting of hikes and all sorts of exploring.
The first time I went to Squamish and drove the Sea to Sky Highway, I felt at home. We hiked the different trails up to the top of the Chief. Hiking with my brother, talking about our histories, learning so much about him and his family, was perfect. It was then that I fell in love with hiking. It was a feeling I couldn’t describe.
The people are so kind and welcoming in Squamish, and the mountains so pure and astonishing.
To this day, I try and get out there as much as I can, exploring more of B.C. and even Alberta.
Two years after this I was able to bring my parents and sister out and show them the beauty of Squamish. I was given a gift, and I’ll always remember my first time there and how alive I felt.
Sea to Sky stories features personal essays from the corridor. Our goal is to collect tales from all over the valley to showcase the compelling characters in our midst.
