We had a dreadful storm night
before last, very fierce with lots of lightening, thunder, wind and
very heavy rain. I hardly slept I was so excited and was just
praying we didn't have to contend with a downpour as we drove
downtown. We all (Bridgette, Dave, Jessi, Brady, Jacqui, my scooter
and me) packed into our van and left just after 6am. Fortunately no
rain, traffic wasn't too bad and it took us an just over an hour to
get downtown and into the Federal building up to the specific
courtroom where the ceremony was to be held. The court room was
packed with all the people becoming Citizens and all their families
and friends. After a while, the judge came into the room and we all
stood up for him. He began speaking and was a very understanding
man as he realized just how important it was to all of us to become
citizens of the best country in the world. He even said that, we as
new citizens, are so grateful for what most natural born Americans
take for granted. He also remarked that America is proud to accept
us as her new citizens because we all have something important to
contribute to the good of the country. It was very touching and my
heart was busting with intense pride and gratitude. Definitely one
of the very bestest days and one of the most exciting moments of my
life. I really appreciated the way the judge was so nice and
welcoming, especially the
wonderful speech, he gave us,
telling us how important it is to be an American and how vital it is
to vote, we then all stood up straight, held up our right hands and
solemnly repeated the long form of the Oath. As we were doing that,
I had huge chills running up and down my spine and big tears running
down my cheeks. After the ceremony was completed, the judge
congratulated us that we were now all American citizens. It wasn't
just a fervent dream anymore, it had happened at last, it was
now reality.
The judge then came down to
shake our hands and allowed us to have photographs taken with him as
we were called up one by one and handed our Certificates of
Citizenship. This was unusual as apparently most judges do not allow
it, so we were very fortunate. The whole day was so perfect, I
could see God's hand at work all the way through and thank Him for
all He's done for me.
Afterwards, at about 10am., we
decided to go get a celebratory cup of coffee. As we emerged from
the Federal building and looked around, I felt like I was walking in
the clouds. Driving down the street on my mobility scooter, I
looked at everything and saw it all with new eyes ~ ~ ~ and a
shattering realization ~ ~ ~ this IS
now MY HOME,
I belong to America and America belongs to me.
Yeeehaaa and Yippeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Then, when we got home and drove
into our driveway we were amazed at all the American flags, and a
myriad of Red, White and Blue strings of beads, tinsel, strips of
paper garlands, bunting, decorations, balloons and all kinds of
things with the American theme literally covering our house and all
the plants and garage doors and our cars in the driveway. Jacqui's
father and mother-in-law and their granddaughter had completely
transformed the front of our house while we were downtown. They even
had some funny photos of me wearing a big American hat, pasted on an
enormous board with the words " Citizen Margot" in huge star-studded
red letters for all the world to see hanging on the garage doors. I
couldn't believe my eyes....what wonderful people they are to help
join in our celebrations, making today such a special occasion.
And, I found out that apparently
Bridgette, Dave, Jacqui and friends are all planning a big
Citizenship celebration party for me on Saturday. It is going to be
fantabulous.
Yeeeehaaaa! I am
an AMERICAN and
so is Cheri !!!!!
