Oh Canada

I find myself deeply reflective about the changes in relationships that have hit Canada over the past few weeks.

I am an immigrant by choice, coming from beautiful Paris, France. No war torn my home country, I didn't flee persecution, or a bad home situation.

When offered the opportunity to transfer with work, I chose Canada.

When faced with an asshole boss who threatened to fire me and revoke my closed visa to get me deported a year in, I went for permanent residence because I wanted to stay. I'm still here, 15 years after this conversation.

As soon as the time came, I asked for citizenship because I wanted Canada to choose me as much as I chose this country. I cried when Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed me (in video), and hugged my Canadian husband.

I've chosen Canada every single day since, the same way I chose him and our marriage every day. I've paid my taxes, voted to make sure my voice was heard, and tried to be the best version of myself like most of my fellow countrymen.

When I received my cancer diagnosis, a few thoughts passed quickly through my head.

"It's unfair."

"I don't want to die."

"I need more time."

"I'm going to beat this shit."

You know what didn't come to mind? "I'm going to lose everything that I worked for over the past 20 years to medical debt."

Yeah, what can I say? Nothing beats universal healthcare…

When my aunt back in France asked me if I was coming back to France for my care, I told her it wasn't even a question I had considered. Neither for treatment, nor for support. I told her Canada is my home. The one I chose. The one where I built my chosen family.

It rings even more true today as the EU opens its arms to more collaboration.

I'm glad I'm here to see this.