The Idea of an Essay, Volume 4

74 The Idea of an Essay: Volume 4 propped my umbrella behind my back. This worked to keep the elements away for a little while but I soon lost grip of my umbrella and watched it glide along the ground into a ditch. I chased it like a wild man. Luckily, no one was crazy enough to be out there to watch as I ran. Finally, after I stepped into a large, muddy puddle it was time to turn around. “Bapa!” I called back to my grandfather, the shock of our situation showing in my voice, “I think it’s time to turn around.” He resolutely nodded. To this day, I wonder whether, if I had not mentioned it, he would have continued to the end of the trail. By the time I reached the car, I was completely soaked. Thirty- minutes later, my grandfather arrived. My grandfather proceeded to change all his clothes in a nearby porta-potty throwing the wet ones straight into the trash can! Shivering, we blasted the heat all the way back to hot soup and a warm cabin. The car smelled like soaked feet and my hands were still regaining their normal shape but my love for the land was still there. In fact, like love between humans, that hardship deepened my love for Newfoundland. During that moment it was as if when the wind and rain, whoosh- swoosh, pierced my clothes, Newfoundland was also piercing my heart, claiming a part of it.