After working for a while, I felt a restlessness growing inside me — a longing for something new, something beyond the familiar streets of home. I knew one of my great‑aunts lived on Vancouver Island, though we had never had the chance to connect. Still, I had always felt a quiet bond with my Grandma Berger’s side of the family. So, with youthful determination, I changed course and set my sights on Neepawa instead.
I was excited at the thought of surprising my grandparents in Neepawa, Manitoba. They had no idea I was coming, and the idea of showing up during the Christmas season filled me with joy. I could already picture their smiles, the warmth of their home, and the twinkling lights that always made the holidays feel magical.
My bags were packed, and my Greyhound ticket was tucked safely in my purse. I boarded the bus bound for Edmonton to visit friends first. A couple of days later, my longtime girlfriend drove me to a truck stop on the south side of the city. I felt a flutter of excitement — hopeful, nervous, and ready for whatever adventure lay ahead.
I knew I had to be brave. If I wanted to reach Calgary, I needed to ask a driver for a ride. Finally, I gathered my courage and approached a respectable-looking older gentleman. He agreed to take me along.
He even offered me the chance to rest in his sleeper cab if I got tired. I accepted gratefully and drifted off to sleep, only to wake when he applied his Jake brakes in Red Deer. After unloading a few items, we were back on the highway, talking comfortably until we reached Calgary. Before saying goodbye, he gave me helpful tips on how to catch another truck heading toward Winnipeg.
But once he left, the darkness made everything unfamiliar. I lost my sense of direction, and my hitchhiking plans changed quickly. I stayed overnight in a lovely hotel near the bus station, then continued my journey the next day. Instead, I took a Greyhound bus to Neepawa.
When I arrived at my grandparents’ house, their neighbours spotted me. They told me my grandparents had gone to Winnipeg to celebrate Christmas with family. I couldn’t surprise them, but I was happy knowing they were enjoying themselves.
So I embraced the uncertainty and boarded another Greyhound bus to Winnipeg. My aunt and uncle greeted me warmly at the depot, thrilled to see me. I spent Christmas surrounded by family — many of whom I met for the first time. They were friendly, welcoming, and full of holiday cheer. The decorations were beautiful, and the food was delicious. I even remember being fascinated by their sunken living room floor — something I had never seen before.
Back then, we didn’t have cell phones to stay connected. I hadn’t thought to call home, but eventually my sister phoned our grandparents to ask if I was there.
My aunt and uncle offered me room and board for sixty dollars a month, and I gratefully accepted. I searched the want ads and found an administrative job at an income tax office. But before long, I began to feel uncomfortable with my boss. Trusting my instincts, I left and soon found another opportunity.
I was thrilled to secure a job in the kitchen at Winnipeg Hospital. My task was to place condiments on trays as they moved along the conveyor belt. It sounded simple, but the belt moved quickly, and each tray had different dietary needs. Sometimes it was hard to see what each patient required, but I enjoyed the work and the rhythm of the kitchen.
That adventure — from buses to truck stops, from hotels to family gatherings — taught me courage, independence, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. It became one of the many stepping stones that shaped the woman I would become.
