CHAPTER 25

2025-2-19

“Our last campfire together happened twelve years ago.” Little brother (LB) said. After a pause he said again, “It is that long.”

Ten months prior to the campfire I was referred to the Solid Organ Transplant Clinic by my gastroenterologist. In between most of the tests and interviews were done. I was waiting for the result of the assessment if I was qualified for a liver transplant. If so and once be on the waiting list, I had to arrive at the Vancouver General Hospital within two hours after being notified. In this case I could not travel far.

While waiting for the result, we planned a cabin trip on the Island with peers and invited LB to go. We longed to have a family gathering for the three of us when my physical condition allowed before the transplant since there was a big unknown regarding the recovery. He agreed and would take care of things related to the campfire. He was praised by “uncles and aunts” for his hard work and skills.

I didn't go camping after the transplant. Still the three of us often chatted about the delightful events of camping and camp fires. We gradually adapted to life without my wife and had the mood to do something fun.

LB suggested doing a campfire. So last week in an afternoon with snow on the ground, we set up a campfire in a day campsite not far away from our home. Together with a full box of leftovers from the woodwork and some branches, we brought along with all kinds of fire starter, an iron spade, and four liters of water for extinguishing and cleaning up.

LB drove. It was cold outside but warm inside the car. I enjoyed the scenery of the zigzag road through oaks and pines bathed in snow. On the wide and large slope facing the sea, a few trails were stepped out among the snowy carpet, scattered with a few round shaped snowmen. Including ours, only a few cars were spotted in the parking lot.

Fewer people allowed more peace of mind. The big and round steel stove is situated in the middle of a wooden bench square. On both sides stood a massive shelter for meals and rest. There was an iron frame attached to one end of the stove for holding a water pot. Besides laid a few burned branches.

We rested on the bench after removing the ice on it. The wood chips were placed inside the stove. We enjoyed seeing the dancing fire. Photos were taken. Our bodies and hands were warmed. Within ninety minutes everything inside the hot stove rose up as ashes and returned to nature. Upon emptying all of the four liters of water, snow was added onto the ashes to make sure that sparking residues were extinguished. We returned home before dark.