Thank you for this poignant reminder, Angela. I have been going through papers and photographs that have been in boxes since Dad died last year. Mom (who died in 2017) was born and raised in Canada and became a US citizen at a ceremony in Minneapolis in 1992. I remember talking with her about it and how she probably knew more about American history than most people who were citizens by virtue of being born here.
I have taken to wearing a pin she had commemorating that day... The American and Canadian flags crossed with a Maple leaf in the center. It's often a conversation starter where I can talk about how important citizenship was to Mom and how proud I was of her when she took that big step and became a citizen. She had to give up her Canadian citizenship and yet, thanks to her, I am a dual citizen. I didn't have to give up my US citizenship in order to become a Canadian citizen and the irony of that is not lost on me.
Blessings to you and your family as Advent continues and as we approach Christmas. Keep up the good fight and speaking out... your voice is so important in these times!
Such a beautiful story, Michael. Thanks for sharing it! Can you believe I've never been to Canada even despite beginning my career as a hockey writer and growing up in MN?!
Oh you definitely need to go! Mom grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia and that’s where her Sister still lives. Mom’s father grew up in Alberta (his father came from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland) and her maternal grandparents grew up in Maitland, Nova Scotia. Her grandmother was born on board a ship off the coast of Bombay, India! There are so many places that I know you and your family would love. And if you are an Anne of Green Gables fan (like my Mom was) Prince Edward Island is a must see.
It’s funny… I was stationed in Grand Forks, ND for three years and never made it to Winnipeg which is just under three hours away from the base!
Thank you for this poignant reminder, Angela. I have been going through papers and photographs that have been in boxes since Dad died last year. Mom (who died in 2017) was born and raised in Canada and became a US citizen at a ceremony in Minneapolis in 1992. I remember talking with her about it and how she probably knew more about American history than most people who were citizens by virtue of being born here.
I have taken to wearing a pin she had commemorating that day... The American and Canadian flags crossed with a Maple leaf in the center. It's often a conversation starter where I can talk about how important citizenship was to Mom and how proud I was of her when she took that big step and became a citizen. She had to give up her Canadian citizenship and yet, thanks to her, I am a dual citizen. I didn't have to give up my US citizenship in order to become a Canadian citizen and the irony of that is not lost on me.
Blessings to you and your family as Advent continues and as we approach Christmas. Keep up the good fight and speaking out... your voice is so important in these times!
Such a beautiful story, Michael. Thanks for sharing it! Can you believe I've never been to Canada even despite beginning my career as a hockey writer and growing up in MN?!
Oh you definitely need to go! Mom grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia and that’s where her Sister still lives. Mom’s father grew up in Alberta (his father came from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland) and her maternal grandparents grew up in Maitland, Nova Scotia. Her grandmother was born on board a ship off the coast of Bombay, India! There are so many places that I know you and your family would love. And if you are an Anne of Green Gables fan (like my Mom was) Prince Edward Island is a must see.
It’s funny… I was stationed in Grand Forks, ND for three years and never made it to Winnipeg which is just under three hours away from the base!