Fuente: https://br.pinterest.com/
I am writing these lines on July 1st.
In my adopted country, today we celebrate Canada Day, and if I may, I would like to tell you about this land of grace—frozen, but grace nonetheless—that welcomed me and my family almost 20 years ago.
I’d like to take this opportunity to refresh some interesting historical facts.
The name Canada comes from a misunderstanding. In 1535, two Aboriginal people guided the French explorer Jacques Cartier to “Kanata,” which means village in their language. Cartier adopted the word to describe not only the settlement *Stadacona,” present-day Quebec City, but the entire area and beyond. The name “Kanata” became the official name of Canada in 1791.
On July 1, 1867, Canada emerged as a nation, and it is the day we celebrate today.
But history aside, I want to talk to you about its essence, the ethos of this country that welcomed us with immense generosity.
A country built on community, because otherwise it would not have survived the harsh temperatures.
A country of conciliation: What is the official language, English or French? Both. What is the capital, Montreal or Toronto? In between: Ottawa.
A country where that concept, so revered today, perhaps harmful, of “Superhero,” does not exist. In Canada, the hero is the community, and as I once read, Canadians would rather be Clark Kent than Superman.
I remember when my husband and I were considering a job offer here in Calgary, our Canadian friend told us, “In Canada, hard work is rewarded.” And he was right.
Those words, and my husband’s horoscope (Aquarius) for January 1, 2006, which said, “You will receive a sensational job offer,” convinced us.
Today, I carry my nostalgia for Venezuela, but I am extremely grateful for our decision.
Yes, it’s cold, but this multicultural, generous, supportive, kind, nature-filled nation, warms the soul.
I’d like to go on, but I’ll leave it here and end with the words of the national anthem:
“God keep our land glorious and free!”
Today she shares her “impulsive meditations” from Calgary, Canada, where she lives.
leonorcanada@gmail.com