My mother never said much about her family. I knew they lived near Edmonton, Alberta, but after Mom died, they invited me to a family reunion in 2009. My cousin Genevieve, the director, sent me a color-coded chart of our family which included my mother’s seven siblings and their families. Fifty people planned to come. Fifty cousins and their families that I had never heard of. I learned that our forebears immigrated to Canada as homesteaders from Ukraine in 1898.
It was a long trip from Maine—a flight to Toronto and an all-day wait for a plane to Edmonton. A late-night arrival for East Coasters.
The first surprise came as we sat between planes at the Toronto airport and watched a steady stream of foreigners‑it seemed that Toronto was Canada’s Ellis Island, it seemed. Many-hued people of all ages dragged themselves wearily around the airport wearing confused expressions as they lifted their eyes to the overhead flight monitors. Canada welcomes immigrants—at least those with certain skills, so few sneak across the border. I don’t know what will happened with the current Middle East refugee crisis, but ever since 9/11, every crossing requires a passport.
We sympathized with her long wait, but to the busload of immigrants, she represented hope.
Interesting post. Didn’t know that about Canada re immigrants. On the other hand, how easy cataract surgery is now for most, and so sad that she has to wait a year…!
I believe that the wait is due to their national health service scheduling.