After my younger brother's first 10 days shift working in Manitoba, he was told he would get a five day vacation for the holiday long weekend.
Though he hasn't got the homesick blues yet like I have because he's only been away for a few days, which have consisted of enjoying beautiful sunny weather in the 30s in Manitoba, exploring new areas and getting paid for quading, our thoughts were both the same when we heard this news: how about a little sister-brother reunion?
Okay, so perhaps our thoughts weren't entirely the same. Dylan proposed we meet half way. Since he is in southern Manitoba and I'm in northern Alberta, he proposed mid-Saskatchewan would be an ideal meeting area.
“But wouldn't it be more fun if you came to Alberta? You could meet my kitty! And see my new truck and TV!” was the sort of response I sent to him. I assured him the 14-hour drive would be nothing compared to the two-day drive it took him to get from southern Ontario to Winnipeg.
He was a little hesitant, something that was new to our relationship. When we were younger, I would bring forward a ridiculous proposition and Dylan would willingly follow instruction, such as testing a bridge made of twigs in spring over a flowing, cold ditch or asking mom or dad for a favour I knew they'd refuse.
However, he wasn't quite so easily-persuaded and vulnerable anymore. But my expertise in persuasion had also matured.
The price came steep but after briberies of steak and the West Edmonton Mall, Dylan was on his way: heading northwest, Alberta bound.
He left Wednesday after work, at around 4 p.m., through Winnipeg and toward Saskatchewan.
He almost made it to Saskatoon before stopping for a quick rest in the back of the truck at an old truck stop. Having had trouble starting the truck that morning, he feared car troubles and wanted to make sure he would be in range of rescuing when he woke.
He awoke around 4 a.m., after about four hours of sleep and a time change and headed for Alberta. One power nap and a few touristy photo road stops later and he arrived safe and sound in Bonnyville, drunk with fatigue and excitement.
Though sleep was on his mind, I bribed him with his favourite food: Subway. So we ate and walked around the Jessie Lake before Dylan crashed on our living room floor for a nap.
Do I feel bad he drove 14 hours? Of course. But I'm not sorry I convinced him coming to Alberta was a good idea.
It sure pushed the idea of Christmas vacation with family and friends out of the foreground. At least for a little while.
Although I'm not sure I'll be able to convince Dylan to do that 14-hour-each-way drive again with only steak and Subway.
