Wednesday, June 26th, 2019

Toronto, Ontario

Last Exit

One member of our local community who comes regularly for priestly tasks drove Jai and I to his residential area at Pape and Danforth.  It was at my request.  "From your place the two of us will walk back to the ashram, a distance of five kilometres, exactly."

It's been hot here and the sun was blazing, "Jai, let's go on the shady side of the street."  The sun was going on its westerly way, casting shadows from buildings and trees on a slightly northern slant.  That was relieving.

On streets of commerce, with more dense pedestrian traffic, it’s difficult to greet everyone.  Once we got to the well treed and home district through Rosedale, it became easy to say simply, "How are you?" and then receive some reciprocation. It must be something about bushes and trees that calms us.  Plus when you have those nice Victorian homes to your right and left, the feeling is very homey and safe.

In going over the Don Valley Parkway via the bridge, you have this expansive view. People used to jump from this bridge until the city made it impossible to leap from there.  Some people are indeed living in despair, having lost hope, looking for opportunities to give up after trying to give life another shot. The bridge is called the Bloor Viaduct. I knew at least two people, over the years, who decided to make this Don Valley their last image.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BzNcmV2A8PM/?igshid=1rxwmja8pdt6u

Each time I cross that bridge, I can't help but remember that the viaduct was the last exit for a number of people.  It's sad but real.

May the Source be with you!

5 km