Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Oh Canada!

Yes, I am Canadian! Well, at least I have been for the last 40 years as of today. On December 19, 1966, my father moved the family from England to Canada. It was freezing when we arrived at Dorval Airport. The snow, which I had never seen before, was piled higher than me! The wind! The freezing rain! It certainly was an experience I will never forget as my father grabbed a hold of my hand and dragged me through the “white stuff.”

Now, as I said, that was exactly forty years ago today. A lot has occurred in my life since then and though I was not born here, I will always consider myself a true Canadian! I am also proud to say that my children are the first generation of my family born in Canada and I hope that Canadian blood will always be strong in my family’s veins for generations to come.

Now, that is not to say that I am not proud of my British heritage as well. As a matter of fact, I have strong Irish blood in me also. I have never returned to England but one day soon, I will stand on England’s shores once more and when that happens, I will know that I am home away from home.

So, I suppose you could call me a “Brit” or a “Canuck.” Either way, I am who I am and whatever that is … I am proud of it!

Congratulations Mum, Dad, Sis! Happy Anniversary! …We made it!

7 comments:

Jo said...

Hi, Dave, welcome to Canada... :-)

My parents were also from England, Ireland and Scotland, and a few years ago I went to England and visited some of the places where they had lived. It was very interesting. I liked Scotland the best. It reminded me of British Columbia in many ways as well.

You must take a trip back one day.

Cheers,
Josie

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Happy Anniversary Dave. In my opinion, Canada is the top country I have ever had the good fortune to visit. It probably is one of the best country to live in....you lucky devil.

Dave said...

Thanks Josie!

I almost made it back this past summer but plans changed. One year real soon though!

Dave said...

Thanks Lone Grey Squirrel!

I consider myself a very fortunate person to belong in Canada. Hopefully I will have another forty over here!

Marie-Hélène Raletz said...

Canada is definitely on my list of countries to visit, even if only in my dreams :)
Marie

Billy said...

I've never been north or south of the U.S. Well, the Bahamas doesn't count. Anyway, my dad says that Canada is beautiful year round. Is it true that in some areas, you can't pick the flowers?

Dave said...

I don't know about the other provinces, but here in Ontario, you cannot pick trilliums which are Ontario's provincial flower. Other than that, the only other flowers you cannot pick are the flowers in my neighbours backyard! :-)