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| The old CPR Bridge over the North Saskatchewan at Nipawin, SK. |
My husband and I retired to a small rural community on Vancouver Island almost twenty years ago. Before that, we lived in Saskatoon for several years. I am so blessed to have contact with family and friends back in Saskatchewan, and particularly fortunate to have one of my long-time besties who moved here with her husband and family! But still, there are some days when I get really nostalgic and miss my idyllic version of Saskatchewan, especially after a couple of days spent decluttering.
You know how it goes. You start sorting through boxes of old cards, letters, and work materials, and suddenly you're sitting on the floor surrounded by memories. I try to follow Marie Kondo’s advice to let go of what no longer “sparks joy,” but sometimes the memories make it hard to part with things.
What’s amazing, though, is how often I meet people here who also came from Saskatchewan.
I remember one day, a few years ago, when I was out walking with a friend. We stopped to chat with a woman who had the sweetest little Pomeranian. In just a few moments, we discovered that she had grown up in the same small farming community where my grandparents lived. I even vaguely remembered her from school—she was a grade ahead of me—and she had known my parents.
We hadn't lived here long when we discovered our new neighbours across the street had also moved here from Saskatchewan, from not far from where I grew up. As we talked, we realized that she had been good friends with the mother of a classmate from my boarding days at a convent school. Small world.
And just today, at our Seniors' Centre Genealogy Group lunch, I found myself sitting across from a woman who was born in the same little town as I was—Nipawin, Saskatchewan—just nine years earlier. Her family moved to BC the year I was born, but of course, we still had people in common. She even still travels back to visit.
The others at our table were quite amazed by the connections.
It’s funny, isn’t it? No matter how far you roam, Saskatchewan seems to have a way of finding you.
How to Spark Heartwarming Connections With People From "Home"
If you’d like to have those chance, heartwarming encounters that remind you of "home," here’s what’s worked for me:
1. Start with a Warm but Gentle Approach
Begin with the usual exchange of pleasantries—nothing too intense. Be friendly, but not overbearing. Simple comments like "Lovely day, isn’t it?" or "What a sweet dog you have!" open the door.
2. Offer Little Bits of Yourself
As the conversation unfolds, share small, genuine tidbits about yourself—especially if they relate to something you’ve noticed about the other person. For example:
"We moved here from Alberta a couple of years ago and still really miss the wide-open skies."
Being a little vulnerable makes you approachable, and many people have also come from somewhere else and can relate.
3. Listen for Threads of Connection
People might say things like, "Oh, my sister lives in Alberta!"—and if you know something about that area, you can ask or share more. If they mention a town or a place you’re familiar with, that’s gold—dive into that memory. With Saskatchewan, I often find it’s easy to hit on a shared point of reference, whether it’s a nearby town, a well-known lake, or even just a joke about the mosquitoes.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Go Wide
You don’t have to stay hyper-specific. Even if you don’t have mutual friends or haven’t lived in the exact same place, you can connect over common experiences like prairie weather, childhood adventures, or the quirks of small-town life. Be bold—share a funny story, throw in a light joke, or talk about what you miss (or don’t miss!) from back home.
Closing Thought
These little, heartfelt conversations might not lead to lifelong friendships, but they create rare moments of genuine connection in a world that often feels scattered and distant. And honestly? Those moments are worth everything.
What’s the most surprising small-world connection you’ve had? I’d love to hear your story!
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