Posting Hubby’s Email Response…

Friday, May 2, 2014 · by Bern1 photos

…to a close family friend.

Dear…


Thanks for your email! It was indeed a memorable milestone, and truth be told Bern and I started feeling the moment since a couple months back when we had to write our citizenship exam. We knew it was just a matter of time, but you know the feeling as a child when you anticipate Christmas Eve as soon as the month of December starts…

Funny you should ask about how we felt during the ceremony itself — it’s something we actually talked about not because we should, but because we felt we had to. As adults, Bern and I knew the gravity of the occasion. But the boys felt it too, they knew how important it was the moment their mother told them to wear “nice” clothes! 

As we affirmed our pledge of allegiance, it was solemn and straightforward, with some hairs on the back of our necks standing. But the real emotional moment was when we sang “O Canada, our home and native land… O Canada we stand on guard for thee.” These words now had a different, deeper meaning. We’ve always felt we were internationally exposed, we’ve travelled quite a bit and seen the world. But being Canadian now carries a different feeling. It’s like graduating from your small hometown school, and being accepted to a leading university. You’ll always remember where you came from, but know now you are on a different, much higher playing field.

There were 150 candidates from 59 countries during our ceremony. The joy and goodwill in the room was palpable. I tell you, we genuinely felt welcome. The clerks, the officials, the judge — they all conducted themselves admirably and we felt welcome. “May all your dreams come true” was the judge’s message. The page has turned, and a new chapter is just beginning.

One of the first stories in our new chapter should definitely have something about aged steaks, emphasis on “aged”  we’ll coordinate with you and Tito Phil for this!

Facebook comments: