My move to Canada was never supposed to be permanent but here I am, in the last stages of the epic Permanent Residency process.
It has been a scary experience but one that I have grown from. The only downside of inadvertently moving to another country permanently is that you never have the opportunity to say goodbye to the country you are leaving.
Returning to England definitely allowed for closure, as well as amazing times with my family.
However, it became really clear, midway through my visit, that I no longer belonged in the U.K. My entire life had warped and changed in such subtle ways that I could no longer slip back into my old life or my old friendships. I found such comfort in seeing places and spaces that I had spent my childhood and early adult years, but they were no longer 'home'.
So, I guess, with a sense of reluctant pride and slight regret (because my childhood home is literally another country) I decided that I would embrace Canada for what it is; home of The Canadian and, cliched and cheesy as it is, a home for me. I love it here. I love my little corner of the world on the St Lawrence seaway, amidst some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen.
It's pretty cool and I loved coming back.
