As the flurry of send-off parties for snowbirds wind down, a confluence of fast-approaching events makes it just about imperative that I, too, head north real soon for a quick visit. A beloved friend is getting married in my hometown of Toronto mid-May, and my daughter’s moving to the states in June – unable to drag along the personal possessions that I stored with her when I moved here several years ago. Plus, I’m desperate to see her and my granddaughter and finally meet my grandson, who’s almost two.

So far, the cost of the airfare has held me back. Now there’s SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The World Health Organization and other global officials have warned against “unnecessary” travel to Toronto for at least the next three weeks. As of April 23, 16 in that city have died from the mysterious virus that apparently originated in China, the cause and cure of which remain unknown.

There are so many question marks these days about so many things.

Wise beyond his years when it came to making the most of every waking moment, the mantra of an adventurous boyfriend that I traveled much of the world with three decades ago was “Carpe diem.” “ Do what you can, when you can. And go where you will, because in the future things may change and you just might not be able to.”

I didn’t quite understand what he meant then, but I had a gut feeling he was on to something. Mexicans, as a whole, seem to innately understand this. Thankfully, their joyful living in the now is rubbing off on me, albeit slowly. Perhaps that’s one of the greatest blessings living here has provided. I’m beginning to understand from the heart, not just in theory, that laughter shared with friends and family while fulfilling our life mission has a value far exceeding anything else we might devote ourselves to, like acquisitiveness, planning and regret.

The frantic two-week Easter holiday wraps up this weekend and the streets will return to relative calm. The facades and awnings around towns are looking pretty dusty and the mountains a bit crusty – all awaiting the cleansing, rejuvenating summer rains. And soon hairdos around here will be pretty much limited to ponytails and braids, with the odd bun thrown in. The ‘lioness’ look, hair tumbling around shoulders, will be found only at the odd air-conditioned event.

I have come to like the seasonal changes because they mark important stages in our lives here. Summer in Vallarta is a time of reflection and consolidation, a time for slowing down and connecting with what matters. In tune with the pace, the tenor of the town is gentle and peaceful, and one feels really privileged to be part of it. I never cease to be amazed by just how quickly the intense tropical storms renew the vegetation and my spirits, dissipating tension to the winds. I can hardly wait!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about what you’re reading, you’re encouraged to let me know at heather@mexmags.com.