My Hometown
Who says you can’t go home again? This family does it all the time!
Iwas born and raised in the small rural community of Mabou, Cape Breton, N.S. Growing up, we called the house we lived in the “Beaton home.” The house was originally owned by a doctor from the Mabou area, but my father bought it in 1942 and it’s been in our family ever since. I lived there until I was 18 years old, before leaving to pursue a career in nursing.
I trained in Antigonish, N.S. for three years, moved to Halifax for a year and then went on to London, Ont., where I met my husband, Frank. We settled in Tillsonburg, Ont., where I worked as a nurse for more than 30 years, and where we still live today.
When our kids were young, Frank and I liked to visit Mabou every year as a family. It always felt like “coming home,” even for our children. While there, one of our favourite things to do was go down to the shore. The shore was always a special place because of the view of the water, small mountains and beautiful scenery. We also liked to have bonfires with all the kids.
Now that our kids are grown and we’re getting older, we still like to visit as a family, walk along the shore and head up the hill with the grandchildren and friends.
Frank and I just planned a trip this past August with our children and their families!
While there, we also enjoy having lots of family and friends visit from all across Canada, whom we don’t often get to see.
My daughter Susannah once said that “Grandma Sally’s home in Mabou is one of the most beautiful places in the world!” I can’t help but agree with her.