February 29 2024 (Leap year) ~ I Become a Canadian

 Yesterday was a day that I will never forget.  After a year and 2 weeks and all paperwork uploaded, I became a Canadian Citizen.  I took the Oath and sang the Canadian National Anthem as a Canadian for the first time on February 29, 2024.  Why did I wait so long to do this?  Well traveling for years got in the way, staying in the south for the winters got in the way and then Covid hit.  My opportunity to finally do this open up.  I have always been in Canada with a Permanent Resident Card (PR card) which every 5 years you need to apply for.  I needed to be in Canada 3 years out of 5 or so many days.  Finally this was it.  Anyway I applied last February 11, 2023 paid my dues, checked all the boxes, and then waited.  On February 20, 2024 I got my Noticed to Appear.  This is it... I am going to be a Canadian.  I had so many emotions I was feeling reading the email.  Tears of joy were streaming down my face.  So on February 29 2024 I was sworn in as a Canadian with another 121 people representing 30 different countries all on a Zoom call.  The next few hours were just full of emotions for both of us.  Janet and David wanted to celebrate with us and take us to dinner.  A neighbor Shelia knocked on our door with flowers in hand we invited her to join us with a glass of wine and to come out to dinner with us.  Then Janet and David arrived with flowers as well and Canadian Flags.  The champagne was opened and we all celebrated.  Then we all went to dinner to the Pub in Gananoque.  It was a great evening.  I’am so blessed.  The next day it continues with more flowers, candy, and lots of comments and Emails. At happy hour everyone knew and congratulated me.  Here are a few pictures of my amazing day.

I  feel so overwhelmed with the out poor of all my wonderful friends.  I had lots of joy hearing all your comments, flower and candy deliveries. You bring me to tears reading them all but you know, these are happy tears not sad tears , ones of joy and compassion.  I thank you all for all that our friendship has meant. A new journey begins and so looking forward to what it will bring.  Thank you all for supporting me. I have been in Canada more that the USA in my life.  I am Canadian and I am home…