May 12, 1997, I arrived in Edmonton with my 5 years old daughter to join her father. He was a Ph.D. student at the University of Alberta.
Today marks the 24 years anniversary of my life in Canada: from Edmonton to Toronto, to making Montreal my home. It was an unforgettable 24 years.
The little girl in the photo below just celebrated her 29th birthday last month.
In a few weeks, my son will turn 23 years old.
The photo signified the sweet memory I had towards a great couple I have met.
It was taken in October 1999, the occasion is a birthday and wedding anniversary double celebration for a remarkable couple: Bob and Phyllis. They had helped many international students with their transition and integration into their lives in Canada. They had lead weekly bible studies and other regular church activities. They helped students move and settle. It was in their lovely home that I had tasted my first traditional Canadian Thanksgiving meal.
Bob is no longer with us but Phyllis is still healthy and content, living with her cat. When we reconnected last year, I was amazed that she still remembered Eric's birthday. Yes, they both visited me at the hospital when Eric was born but that was more than twenty years ago.
They are one of the fondest memories. I also reconnected with a few other fellow students and their families who moved to Ottawa after graduation.
I would love to visit Edmonton and Phyllis again.
I would also like to visit Banff National Park, a beauty I somehow missed when I lived next door...
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