I can confidently tell you that when it comes to my roots and my home; I sure know the difference and each has their own special place in my heart.
My roots reside in a tiny oil rich island in the Caribbean where I was born. An island in the sun called Trinidad. An island that I shall always be proud to call my roots because it was there that my roots began. Where I received my early childhood education, my upbringing, and I was able to appreciate what I had and what others did not have.
I was just six years old and it was Christmas time and we were getting ready to wrap up classes before the Christmas vacation. I shall always remember this specific day when I asked my little classmate Earl what he wanted for Christmas and in a very frank and honest little voice he responded “Christmas present! I don’t know what that is!”
Earl’s words have tucked themselves away in my mind over the years and they are ones that I shall always remember every time I need to be reminded that there are less fortunate kids in this world who are still waiting to receive their first Christmas present.
Fast forward to the present and I am proud to say that my home is right here in Canada! Ah yes! Canada! when I arrived in Montreal many moons ago to go to school. Montreal! Where I truly discovered who I was and what I wanted to do with my life! Where I learned so much and did so much! Where I acquired an appreciation for other cultures!
Montreal! Where I discovered a whole new world when I received my first cornea and then made special friends forever. Montreal! Where my heart shall always be! I attended the best universities and met some of the finest professors and students from around the world!
Now I live in Toronto; Canada’s largest city! Where nothing waits for you but with all of this there are a lot of opportunities to fulfill your dreams and desires! Toronto! A city that never seems to sleep! Where a huge salad bowl of cultures and languages await you and there is always something to do!
Ah yes! My roots and my home!