Rooted in Gratitude: My Journey to Canada, My Home

On this Canada Day, my heart feels full.

I remember arriving here—unsure, nervous, carrying more love than certainty. Canada welcomed me gently but boldly, like the land itself: vast, complex, generous, and humbling.

I came from the Azores, where the sea shaped our pace and the land fed our bodies. But it was in Canada that I found the space to nourish my mind, expand my heart, and root my children in safety and opportunity.

Here, I became more than a nurse—I became a voice. A builder. A woman who holds space for others because this country first held space for me.

Canada taught me the strength of inclusion. It exposed me to cultures, stories, and systems that challenged and refined my own beliefs. It deepened my wisdom - not just as a healthcare provider, but as a citizen of the world.

And even when the path was hard - when winters felt too long or shifts felt too heavy - I never lost sight of the grace in being here.

To those who feel like outsiders: I see you. To those building from scratch: keep going. To Canada: thank you for giving me a home where healing and growth are possible.

May we all continue to learn from each other, and may this land always be one of welcome.

Happy Canada Day. 
With love,
Leonor