I will never forget the first time we visited Canada. It was in May of 2000. We came for 3 weeks and it was my first experience on a plane -which I found out, does not sit well with me. We had a lot of fun. I got to see my brother Paul and his family who I hadn't seen in years. We even road tripped down to Utah and Vegas which was amazing. To a 12 year old I thought this was just a fun vacation and nothing more. Little did I know that for my parents this was the start of an application to see if they wanted to move to Canada and leave England behind. The next 2 years consisted of doctor’s appointments and countless piles of paperwork. We had to all go and experience physicals-where I was told I was borderline obese for my age. I had never had body issues, but that sure as heck started it. I didn’t even think I was big- I was 13 for goodness sake. I hadn’t even hit puberty and got rid of the puppy fat. Now even though I went through all the doctor’s appointments and meetings with my family, I never actually thought the move would happen. I was very happy with my life and where I was. In fact my parents got rejected due to high blood pressure- but they got it down and BOOM. In November of 2002 we got a letter stating we had been accepted to immigrate to Canada and had till February 21st 2003 to make the move.
You know when you have a life changing event and you can remember almost every detail about that moment. This was one of them. When my parents told me we were moving I was sitting at my computer playing "Neopets" (oh admit it, you had one too!) and had my back to my mum and dad. They told me about the move and it was like someone hit the slow motion button. I couldn't believe it. I was horrified. My worst nightmare had come true. I was to leave family, friends, my school, my life. I was pissed! They tried to tell me to think of it as an adventure-which is a word I HATE! I remember telling my parents I wasn't going to leave and expressing how angry I was at them. But if you've ever met my parents-especially my mother, you know I was fighting a losing battle. They had booked the plane tickets for 6:30am on February 1st 2003 and I was to be on that plane. I stopped speaking to my parents for a while. (I secretly think they liked the silence)
December 15th 2002 I told my friends. I remember telling my best friend Nicola Hill. We were walking to school and I dropped the bomb. It was a flood of tears and hugs and that’s how the day continued. I then had to break it to my friends from church. As you can imagine- pretty much the same thing. I wondered if I would ever meet people like them- who had the same standards as me. I was assured I would- but I wasn’t sure. Sure enough I got a confirmation. My sister-in-law Sarah-Jane served in the Young Women’s in Calgary and had told them about me. I was fortunate enough to receive letter from them before the move. It helped. A lot. The next 7 weeks was a whirlwind. Filled with throwing out most of my stuff, shipping boxes upon boxes, having people in and out of my home deciding if they wanted to purchase it. I was angry- how dare these people come and take over MY home. My last day of school was 3 days before the move. I still visited the school every day. I wanted to be with my friends as much as I could. I was even presented with a GIANT yellow card (still have it by the way) with messages from all my friends and teachers. I read that thing hundreds of times over when I was having a tough time.
In those few days before the move it consisted of eating out (that was a huge treat for us) visiting family and then it hit- a snowstorm. Now in England- snow was rare- we had it, but it would melt within seconds of hitting the ground. For 3 days it was almost as if we were being prepared for Canada. I remember there was 1" of snow and the roads closed down. My brother Andrew was in town to help with the move and he took us all outside for a giant snowball fight. That tiny gesture he made calmed me down and made me not be bitter- even just for a few hours.
February 1st 2003. It was here. We all piled our 2 suitcases each into the multiple cars that were outside my house. We had all my siblings who weren’t moving with us helping and our family friend the "Rowes" who feel like siblings to me helping too. Just as we were about to leave my brother Andrew grabbed me and my younger sister Mary-Clare. We ran back into the house with him and he took us into the loft. It was very rare that we got to go up there because it simply wasn't safe. We were very careful and walked on the planks of wood only-for sheer terror of falling through the floor. He took up to the back corner of the loft- a part I hadn’t seen before. He gave me a black marker and told me to sign my name. I looked and saw my parents and siblings names all written and the dates we were in the house. I signed my name and said my goodbyes. It was hard. I was 14 and leaving behind the only home and life I'd ever known.
I don't remember much about the drive- it was too early. But at the airport we were told we were only allowed one suitcase each. So there we all were, re-packing the contents of two suitcases into one. What a gong show. I remember the insane anger I got when it was time to say goodbye. I kept trying to say "See you later" instead cuz it sounded better- but I didn’t know when I would see people again. I was so angry. As we walked through the gate I turned to my mum and said "I hate you both so much". Mum never heard- but Rebecca my sister did. She was livid, she yelled at me for saying that. Put me in my place that’s for sure.
We arrived in Canada at 1am. I was tired and sick (like I said, flying doesn't sit well with me). However what I couldn’t believe was how cold it was. I was truly not prepared for the -40c that Calgary had welcomed us with. I went home and went to bed. Didn't want to talk to anyone. Just sad.
For months to years after the move I've always said I would move back, how this wasn't my home. I tried once to move back- not successful at all. Low and behold I'm still in Calgary Canada and it's been 10 years. Wow how times have flown. I can honestly say even though the move was one of the hardest things my young teenage self could face- I have to reflect on the blessing I have had because of my parent’s decision 10 years ago. Here are just a few.
1. I have learnt that a good English accent can get you away with many things ;)
2. I graduated high school and took part in classes I never would have gotten the chance for in England.
3. My testimony grew 10000000x's more
4. We got a dog! (awww my little Holly)
5. I've was able to travel this beautiful planet multiple times.
6. I went and graduate from university and am in a career I absolutely love.
7. I've seen more temples than I can count-and been able to participate in celebrations for them.
8. I have expanded my talents in ways I could only dream.
9. I have met some amazing people who have changed my life in many ways.
10. I have gained more appreciation for my family and how incredible they are.
11. I have witnessed miracles.
12. I became that woman that my younger self always dreamed of being.
So in short. Happy 10 years Blomfields. It’s been quite the adventure ;)
-Stay Beautiful xoxo
