What a wonderful story of love and discovery and appreciation (especially the Italian picnics!) We can all be this lucky when we meet and mingle and come together to make families and communities from our varying backgrounds.
Loved this story, especially the honesty with which you describe taunting the 'others', becoming an 'other' yourself, then marrying an 'other'. And finally realizing that there is no 'other'. There is only us. Well done!
Sarah, so many parts of your story have touched my heart. My Mom was from a Depression era Irish immigrant family in Northern Ontario. She moved to Toronto as a very young woman and married the son of Irish immigrants. And now, many years later, her grand daughter has married the grandson of Italian immigrants and fallen in love with his big generous family. Sometimes these shared Canadian experiences feel like someone gently struck a tuning fork which resonates within all of us.
Thank you, Sarah, for this honest and beautifully written account of your love for a man and a family that are part of a culture different from your own. Your personal story is the story of Canada.
Thank you, Sarah, for this moving and beautifully written reflection on belonging and identity.
Reading your story reminded me of my own family's journey. My parents immigrated to Canada from Haiti under Pierre Trudeau in the early 1970s. We settled in predominantly Italian and Portuguese neighbourhoods, and though the early years were challenging (learning new customs, overcoming language barriers, and grappling with feelings of displacement) our communities slowly grew together.
As the first generation born here, I've been shaped by the resilience of my parents and the warmth and solidarity of our neighbours. The friendships formed back then have endured into our generation, proving that bonds can transcend culture when there is openness, kindness, and shared humanity.
Cross-cultural marriages like yours, and mine, are truly special. My wife comes from a French Acadian family, and it's been incredible to witness how beautifully our families have blended. One of the most touching things is the relationship between our fathers: mine, a retired physician from Haiti, and hers, a retired industrial worker with a high school diploma. You’d think they had been best friends since high school, but they only met a few days before our wedding. Their bond is a testament to how genuine connection defies background or class.
Like you, I believe we are truly blessed to live in a country where diversity can be a strength, if we are willing to let go of our biases and celebrate each other. Your story of love, loss, and ultimately, connection across cultures reflects so much of what makes Canada special. Thank you for reminding us all of the power of understanding, humility, and shared joy.
What a beautiful story, Sarah. I love the juxtaposition of the two worlds. How rich all our lives would be if we could embrace each other's cultures and differences.
What a wonderful story of love and discovery and appreciation (especially the Italian picnics!) We can all be this lucky when we meet and mingle and come together to make families and communities from our varying backgrounds.
Loved this story, especially the honesty with which you describe taunting the 'others', becoming an 'other' yourself, then marrying an 'other'. And finally realizing that there is no 'other'. There is only us. Well done!
What a touching story. And a lesson to all of us privileged Canadians
What a touching story. And a lesson to all of us privileged Canadians
What a beautiful and meaningful story.
Sarah, so many parts of your story have touched my heart. My Mom was from a Depression era Irish immigrant family in Northern Ontario. She moved to Toronto as a very young woman and married the son of Irish immigrants. And now, many years later, her grand daughter has married the grandson of Italian immigrants and fallen in love with his big generous family. Sometimes these shared Canadian experiences feel like someone gently struck a tuning fork which resonates within all of us.
A beautiful story of family - and what makes a country strong. The mingling of many with open hearts and minds.
Lovely 💕
Thank you, Sarah, for this honest and beautifully written account of your love for a man and a family that are part of a culture different from your own. Your personal story is the story of Canada.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank you, Sarah, for this moving and beautifully written reflection on belonging and identity.
Reading your story reminded me of my own family's journey. My parents immigrated to Canada from Haiti under Pierre Trudeau in the early 1970s. We settled in predominantly Italian and Portuguese neighbourhoods, and though the early years were challenging (learning new customs, overcoming language barriers, and grappling with feelings of displacement) our communities slowly grew together.
As the first generation born here, I've been shaped by the resilience of my parents and the warmth and solidarity of our neighbours. The friendships formed back then have endured into our generation, proving that bonds can transcend culture when there is openness, kindness, and shared humanity.
Cross-cultural marriages like yours, and mine, are truly special. My wife comes from a French Acadian family, and it's been incredible to witness how beautifully our families have blended. One of the most touching things is the relationship between our fathers: mine, a retired physician from Haiti, and hers, a retired industrial worker with a high school diploma. You’d think they had been best friends since high school, but they only met a few days before our wedding. Their bond is a testament to how genuine connection defies background or class.
Like you, I believe we are truly blessed to live in a country where diversity can be a strength, if we are willing to let go of our biases and celebrate each other. Your story of love, loss, and ultimately, connection across cultures reflects so much of what makes Canada special. Thank you for reminding us all of the power of understanding, humility, and shared joy.
Our ethnicities have made Canada into a better place.
Beautifully told, Sarah. Having known you for decades, I also know how profoundly you've embraced all things Italian.
Che belle famiglie, Sarah! Tutte i due. Che bel paese, il nostro Canada!🇨🇦 🇮🇹🍀
Grazie mille!
Bellissimo!
What a beautiful story, Sarah. I love the juxtaposition of the two worlds. How rich all our lives would be if we could embrace each other's cultures and differences.
Thanks very much.... and yes, it has been so for me.