Words cannot express my gratitude for this country. They accepted my family and I during our worst times when we came here as refugees back in 2003. It was by far the lowest times of our lives contemplating if life was still even worth it. I pushed myself the first 6 months I came here to isolate myself in my room to draw, start learning the guitar more seriously and do a lot of push ups. Basically, I felt like I was in prison doing my time. It was also during these times that I realized a higher meaning for life beyond what I could ever imagine to be a reality. Art. Music. And the lifestyle of self development. It was a blessing in disguise and didn’t even realize it. This was the best place and safest place for us to be. I knew it was going to take a lot of effort to have the life that I always wanted but I knew I had the confidence of finally becoming a citizen of a country after 22 years of living on this planet. It was a strange feeling. A burden I didn’t know I had was lifted the day I became a citizen of this country. There was an opportunity here for us to start our lives over yet again after moving 20 times to 5 different countries. I have been able to fulfill my dream life through sharing my music with all of you. This would not have been possible if Canada didn’t accept my family as refugees. I wanted to share this with you today because the hardships we go through has a higher meaning that we may not see when we’re in it. It takes time for the wisdom in these painful times to be visible. This man right here is one proud Canadian.
This flag you see here was given to me the day I became a Canadian citizen. I still have it today to remind myself of the wild journey it’s been. Happy Canada Day.
Thanks so much for your support!
Maneli