Opinion

It’s a day like no other.

Most of us Yellowknifers are either on our way back at home or already settling in now that the wildfire evacuation has ended.

The divorce papers are signed, you’ve either had a pity or a celebratory party. Although this can be terrifying, even in the best situations, let this be the blank canvas that you’ll paint your new life on, exactly as you want it. It’s possible to heal, move forward and live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Keep in mind that not everyone feels the same about divorce. Some move ahead faster and others ponder over memories, toss between happiness and extreme sadness, and even go into depression.

We have lived vicariously through our volunteers fighting fires and doing the safety work desperately needed to protect communities in the NWT.

We heard on Monday, Aug. 28 that the fire near Yellowknife is no longer out of control and that we may be able to go home within a week.

Here is a skill testing question. How many days has it been since you were evacuated? The days do seem to blend together don’t they. So I thought maybe I would write down a few of my highlights.

I fell asleep to the sound of a loon’s eerie call across a rather smoky Frame Lake.

I was asked by Cabin Radio what I thought about the date of the election — should it be moved to November or not. I said no date should be set until the fire is whipped and people are home. We need the voters cool, calm and collected on election day.

I have been a vegetarian and wannabe vegan for 35 years, but the cheese and salami sandwich gifted to me while I waited in line up at the Big River gas station in Fort Providence was the best sandwich I ever ate. The dogs got the salami but I ate every bite of that processed cheese on white bread with great delight. I savoured every one of the 12 grapes, the orange, the Oreo cookie — everything.

This has been such a week for residents of the South Slave, Delta and Sahtu regions as wildfires moved closer to communities. In the South Slave, the fires closed off the highway and people had to be airlifted to Alberta communities.