July 1, 2019 — our first Canada Day since moving back.
We left Canada in September, 1999, to live in Buffalo, New York. It was June, 2009 when we moved to Dayton, Ohio. And then in September 2018, we returned to BC.
When asked, we have explained how we got here to countless numbers of people. The conversation goes something like this:
"Where are you from?"
"We live in Nanaimo. But we haven't been here long."
"Oh, where did you move from?"
"Ohio."
"OHIO!!!! Wow! What the heck made you move HERE of all places?" You see, it's a stretch for some to understand why Americans might have chosen Nanaimo. It is not a big city nor is it a hot spot for immigration, like Vancouver is, and let's face it, our generation of Canadians grew up with an inferiority complex where the US is concerned.
So, we go on to assure them that we are, in fact, Canadians, born in Winnipeg, and lived in Vancouver for 20 years, and then lived in the US for nearly 20, and now we're retired, but we could no longer afford houses in Vancouver or Victoria, and neither city seems quite the right fit for us anymore, but we have always loved the west coast, so we decided on central Vancouver Island, and Nanaimo is very nice and quiet and we love living here, so close to everything and especially the ocean, and we can be on a beach within 10 minutes.
It's a mouthful, but does the job. The usual reply is, "Huh."
Other questions sometimes come up, such as, "Are you happy to be back in Canada?" "Does it feel different living here again?" "Will this be a special Canada Day for you?"
The answer? All of the above.
Don't get me wrong! We loved our time "across the line," (as my parents called it.) We had amazing adventures, met wonderful friends, rubbed elbows with so many interesting people, traveled around the country, saw superb shows, had rewarding careers, and led full lives. What's ironic is that I truly perfected my Canadian identity during the years we lived in the States. All of a sudden I became an avid hockey fans. I took Tim Bits to parties. I relished being able to pronounce French words correctly — a language that seems to stump Americans. I explained "poutine" and "parliament" and "Don Cherry" and "curling" and "Nanaimo Bar" and "Butter Tart" and "Winnipeg" to whoever asked. I made it my mission to correct anyone that called them "Canadian Geese" — "No, no the plural is Canada Geese." I was proud to fly the Maple Leaf off our front porch each Canada Day. The Mr and I stood out because we were curiosities — different, a bit exotic — and therefore at least a little interesting.
That "otherness" has melted away now that we are back in the True North. We are as ordinary and common as Canadian Tire money or a three room group at the Brick. We blend into the furniture again.
That's what is different. That's why it feels special. We belong.
It's good to be home.
