On Friday, I became a Canadian citizen. I'm actually now a dual citizen ... USA and Canada. I was born and raised in the USA and lived there until 2000 when I married a Canadian and moved here. Gary and I had decided a couple of years ago I should take the next step and apply for citizenship. That involved more paperwork, money and wait time. Gary died in February, 2008, following several months of suffering from pancreatic cancer. He wasn't physically there with me on Friday, but he was definitely there in spirit and I know how proud he would have been. It was a very nice ceremony and there were 53 people from 22 countries being sworn in as new citizens.
The Immigration judge was from Ottawa and a very good speaker. New Brunswick is officially a bilingual province so the entire program was done in both languages. The judge was very passionate ... about Canada, about kids, about freedom! I couldn't understand one word of the French part of her speech, but the passion was apparent there as well.
I did fine until we sang O Canada (national anthem) ... then the tears began welling up in me and spilled over.
Such a bittersweet day!
I spent the weekend with Dick (Gary's brother) and Sharon in Fredericton and came back home on Sunday. Back to work Sunday night.
Diane
About Me
- Diane
- 60 years old, widowed this year, living in Canada, two daughters and 7 grandkids living in the USA
3 comments:
Diane,
Congrats on your dual citizenship! I'm sure it was a very emotional day for you and I know Gary was there with you. It's nice to see you have a blog. I still have a lot of things to add to mine, but that will all come with time. Take care,love,Brenda
Thanks Brenda!
I just started this today so have alot to learn and it seems like my "hours" are getting fewer and fewer. I'll learn my way around, but may take awhile.
Love ya!
Diane
I am sitting in a hotel room after just losing my brother and saw that you are a new follower. God bless you and I will get to know you better in the upcoming months. Thanks for following me. I am glad there was some sweetness with the bitter for you. Hugs- Diana
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