"I am young and old, rich and poor, free and enslaved, fleeing and seeking. I came from every part of the world, with family and alone, with nothing and everything. Two stories complete me – the story I came from and the story I started when I landed in Canada. These merge in the next generation into gratitude to a country which has made it possible for my children to have only one story – the Canadian story."
Eighteen years and 11 days ago was when I arrived in this beautiful country.
Between June 21st of 1994 and up to this day, so much has happened.
Sometime along those times, I have realized that Canada is now home to me.
The first month that I was here, I went to see places in Canada - the prairies, the rockies.... Banff and Lake Louise made a lasting impression on me. Majestic was what came to mind when I saw for the first time Canada's beauty.
We rented our first apartment in Ottawa. The first few years were not easy but we came to love this city and never left.
MDH went to grad school for his first masteral degree.
I
gave birth. In between changing nappies and trying to be a supportive
wife - I retrained myself, found a job with a major consulting firm,
learned to cook, made new friends....
Late 90's was when I pledged allegiance to the queen :). I remember my
French Canadian boss was teasing me about it. When I arrived from my
oath-taking ceremony, I found a lovely card on my office desk, signed by
my boss and the rest of my colleagues. I teared up when I read the
card. But the one thing that stood out was what my boss said - Canada is
fortunate to have me. In my heart, I feel very fortunate to have been
given the chance to live and settle here. It's been a great country.
Thank you, Canada!
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