Summertime can mean fun times with the sun shining. But one has to be careful not to stay in the heat for too long. I recall a time as a child, I developed heat stroke and I ended up in the hospital. What an experience. I recall being in this strange bed with my parents and siblings nowhere in sight. It can be scary to be placed somewhere unfamiliar. We were also in a place where we didn’t live because we were doing seasonal work out in Tabor at the time. Thankfully, I recovered and was so relieved to be back with my family.

Family time is good to spend at the park or out enjoying a venue in the neighbourhood. McCauley has a wide variety of cultures and with it comes different multicultural events. Recently, I enjoyed being a part of Heart of the City held at the Giovanni Caboto Park. My band Micah was part of the line up, which for us is an accomplishment. We must drive my kids and neighbours bonkers with our music when we are rehearsing.

Being involved in different areas in the community is exciting, but can be very exhausting (to say the least) and fulfilling at the same time. With my grandson living with me and my family, I have decided that I will perhaps invest in a little pool with a canopy for him and his auntie to have summertime fun with.

We were in the park recently near the water sprinkler. It was cute watching him trying to touch the water. All kinds of experiences are worthwhile no matter if it is good or bad because we learn by trial and error and it makes us stronger people.

There are also times I think about travelling to other places such as Africa and just imagining what it would be like to visit another culture.Maybe one day I can travel to a different country just to visit and enjoy the sites. In the meantime, I will enjoy this fine neighbourhood.

Clara lives in McCauley with her family. She is a Community Animator with Action for Healthy Communities.