By AmericanDuckie
Many people over the years have asked me why I came to America. There are a few reasons; one being that I was a new bride at the time and my husband at the time was born in Texas. He had lived there on and off over the years and wanted to move back. I was young and loved the thought of a new life and a sense of adventure. Besides, I had relatives in South Texas as well, so it didn’t seem like a big deal to leave family and friends in Canada, when I’d be moving within a few hours of a favorite Aunt and Uncle. We also wanted to get away from the incredibly high cost of living, high taxes and more government intrusion.
The process was long and expensive before I could finally get my “green card”. During the course of over a year and a half I made many trips into Toronto for interviews, health checkups and physicals from US Consulate doctors, fee payments, paper work, and having to get letters of sponsorship from my Aunt and Uncle, letters of recommendation, background checks from county, provincial and national RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and more paperwork.
I finally received a temporary visa and passport to enter the States, then the process would continue to get a permanent resident alien card.
My parents weren’t as thrilled as I was, especially as a month and a half before we were to leave; the US entered the Persian Gulf War. My folks were worried for a few things, understandable since I was their “baby” and youngest daughter. But I assured them that I had total confidence in the US military and that they would “do their job” over there, so people would be safe over here.
On a cold and overcast March day, I stood outside of Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and said good bye to my mom and dad. It had been a tearful week of good byes to my brother and sister and a handful of friends. I almost changed my mind when I said good bye to my dad, being a dad’s girl, but finally, it was time to go. Five hours later, we touched down in Dallas Texas.
Life in the US has had its shares of downs and ups just as it is with anyone. The first few months, I had to make a few trips from Tyler, Texas to Dallas, to the Immigration office to finish my processing. A few trips, leaving in the dark wee hours of the morning to get there before sun up, and still seeing line ups that wrapped around the building were frustrating, as was the wait, and hope to get in before they closed the doors at noon. Thankfully each time I just made it in, only to have to wait in a crowded room for another 3 or 4 hours to have my number called.
But you know what? It was worth it. I was willing, because from the moment we had touched American Soil, I considered myself an American. I even swore an oath to myself that I would do everything I could to be the best American I could be, and that I would obey and respect the laws of my new home.
One of the reasons I never gave up my Canadian citizenship was because I wanted to honor my parents’ wishes to keep it. Just in case. I did my best to respect their wishes.
Many here on Scoop, on this site that is such a family community, have seen me write about wanting to become an American citizen, and so many have supported me and truly honored me by considering me an American already. In my heart I have been, and I hope I have been in honoring this country. Most folks know of my passion for this country and for so many patriots, and the love I have for our soldiers and Veterans. That day I told my parents I had no fear of the war, and I meant it, but didn’t realize yet just how incredibly blessed I would be by those who have fought and still fight.
It wasn’t until later that I would learn through the death of a friend in Iraq just how much they all have given, and how much we have been given by all of them.
I have made some incredible friends these past years at the Right Scoop. Many of whom have become closer to me than family. Truly this community has been a supportive and incredible family.
So, it is to you, and to our troops and Veterans I want to thank all of you for accepting me as an American even before it was legitimate.
I am so proud and grateful, and so happy to tell you all that I have finally Sworn the Oath, the same one I swore to myself my first day in America, an Oath that I will never break.
It feels so good to finally say, “Hello everyone, I am duckie, and I am AN AMERICAN!”
