When I arrived in Canada, I had half of my life packed in 6
suitcases and the other half, holding my 4 yr old daughter, was holding my
hand. We still have the first memories very fresh in our hearts. We still feel
the fresh smell of those pine trees, standing tall and strong while we took our
first steps in the city. We carry in our souls the welcoming smile of every
person we saw on the bus, in the street and at the supermarket. We felt free,
safe, and full of hope. Today, these feelings are still present, but we also
feel proud and thankful.
Proud, for being part of a country where people respect and value
each other. Thankful, because Canadians made us feel at home.
It has not been easy, but difficult things make us stronger and
resilient and help us appreciate what otherwise would have been just ordinary.
We learned not only what an Inukshuk is, when Nunavut became a territory, we
also learned to value the encouraging smile from our neighbour while shoveling
in the middle of a snowstorm. We have so many things to be thankful for!
Tomorrow, we will promise to be faithful to all that Canada
represents: from tolerance, inclusion and multiculturalism, to hockey games, a
double-double, and maple syrup tapping.
Our roots will remain yellow, blue and red, like the Venezuelan
flag, but the sound of the waves in our very much loved Caribbean Sea will
certainly mix with the tune of “…God, keep our land, glorious and free…Oh
Canada we stand on guard for Thee…” – Here we are, and Canada is our home.
Alejandra Figueredo
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