Jack Kerouac understood, more than most, the magnetic allure of the open road. What is better than the intoxicating freedom of driving a long and winding road, arm out the window, eyes set on the horizon, no thoughts of glancing into the rearview mirror? I experienced this heart-expanding, mind-awaking sense of joy and freedom on a recent road trip across the southern Alberta grasslands where I shot the photo above. It is times like these that I appreciate owning a restless spirit, longing for adventure. This weekend I am reminded of the fantastically independently-minded free spirit from whom I inherited this trait, my Aunt Vera.

This past week our family had to say goodbye to our favourite traveller after a long, adventurous life filled with long drives, people to visit and hearts to warm. My Dad’s sister Vera was the quintessential free spirit graced with a fiercely independent streak that could be seen as unexpected in women who grew up in the mid 1900’s, arduous farming life. I was constantly amazed at Aunt Vera’s capacity to work extraordinarily hard yet find the time to jump in the pick-up truck, and later car, to visit folks who she somehow knew needed a quiet, generous ear to bend.

And boy, did she ever like to drive…fast!  I still remember one summer weekend when I was likely around 12 years old. Aunt Vera took me on a road trip to Burlington to visit my cousins. It was my first time ever experiencing the wild and wooly fast lane of the 401 and I was at times exhilarated by and frightened of the speed and agility of Aunt Vera’s driving. I had no idea a pick up truck could go THAT fast! I looked up to my road warrior Aunt Vera from that moment on, and in a way, have emulated her joy in the freedom of the road ever since.

To my wonderful, gracious, inspiring Aunt Vera, I will miss you! Thank you for teaching me that life is meant to be lived with joy, passion, and an independent spirit!

“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? It’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.” – Jack Kerouac, The Road