Fifty years ago today September 8 I arrived in Canada. I am proud to be an immigrant to this country. I am thankful that I did not have to learn a new language. I had to expand on the English, I already knew. I spoke with an accent that quickly dissipitated as I became immersed into Canada.
Years later when I told people I was an immigrant and where I came from. The reaction was and still is "What the bloody hell are you doing here"? My answer, I just came along for the ride. See I was 4 and a half when we came from Australia. My father was an academic and got a job teaching history at the University of Manitoba.
The year before we came for a recruiting visit. We had heard about the climate of Winnipeg, a climate of extremes with hot summers and harsh winters. We arrived in Winnipeg on December 15, 1967. It was unseasonably mild with a trace of snow on the ground. My parents thought well it can't b this bad. The University in their promotional material described the Winnipeg winters as cool and invigorating. Every January when the temps dip into the mid -30's and the wind howling, I am reminded that there is nothing cool and invigorating about it.
As the years pass, I adapted and made a great life for myself. I have the best sweetheart in all the world, yes I am slightly biased. I have inherited a family a wonderful stepson and stepdaughter and an awesome grandson. They all bring so much joy, wisdom and unconditional love into my life.
My sweetie also was the first to recognize that I suffered from depression. This was 8 years ago. I believe I have had depression like symptoms for many years prior, probable from my teen years if not earlier. Looking back I seemed to be always a little different. In grade school for the first 3 years I went to a private all boys school. I had trouble adjusting seemed to always be slow to grasp things, my sweetie can attest to this. I could not true my shoes in grade 1. So I was sent to the bathroom to learn to tie my shoes. I spent most of the time crying trying to tie my shoes. I felt ashamed, embarrassed and different.
I wore glasses from the age of 8 and had to endure being called 4 eyes and slant eyes. I tried to fit in. I didn't have a lot of friends growing up. I sought refuge in sports which I was marginal at.
In high school I lucked out and developed a liking to basketball and became the team manager which led to becoming team manager for the University of Manitoba. Five great years, a lifetime of experiences and lifelong friends.
I carved out a successful career in healthcare and thanks to my sweetie embraced my depression, sought therapy and am becoming a strong mental health advocate. I am open dealing with my depression. My book has many chapters still to be written, and discovered.
Life is a journey and not a destination. Fifty years the destination was Canada and Winnipeg. The next fifty years who knows. I am a proud immigrant to Canada.
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