A Promised Land

This new blog begins with a love letter

We start in 2020, the year of the pandemic, with rising infections and death, and stupidity of people who don’t believe in the virus. The global economy, and Alberta’s, severely struggled after the pandemic and the crash of oil prices, once again. The US is tearing itself apart south of the border. Our provincial government is taking away people’s safety net, privatizing healthcare, firing 11000 people during a pandemic, in exchange for the corporate tax cut. And that’s just the last 3 months. 

So, against that backdrop, I want to dedicate this writing to my loved ones, and to hope.

In 2020 I became Canadian. And, even with the unfulfilled promises, and yet to be fulfilled potentials, Canada has become my home. In the pandemic, and in the global reawakening of racial injustices, Canada has (mostly) responded in a way that is competent and comforting. Of course, living in Alberta, I’ve encountered a fair amount of people who are on “the wrong side of history”, but they are not the loudest voice. And even in their ignorance, I feel safe to be authentic and share my view, because of the legal framework and freedom this country allows. I was lucky to have kept my job during the pandemic. And seeing the programs in place to protect people, and options for us should anything happens. It is comforting and calming.

In 2019, I married the perfectly imperfect Canadian that is meant for me. We do not have a perfect relationship (never had). He is not my best friend (because only Betty-white women-marry their best friends. That title in my heart is reserved for a very argumentative Bruneian woman. Also, most of my very good friends are very argumentative WOC. Coincidence?). Yet time and time again, against the odds, in our very loud and passionate arguments, we found our way. He learned and he evolved. I learned and I evolved. We continue learning and evolving. It is not a perfect partnership, but it creates a perfect condition for us to challenge each other and grow. We were sitting in the car, and we said “I believe in us”. Even if we have to live apart for a bit due to the career situation, or the pandemic situation, I believe we will find a way to continue to grow together”.

In 2020, my uncles and aunt told the aforementioned person “Welcome to the family”. No dramatic coming out story. No tears or drama. Just that. In the promised land, it’s not the emotional labor of the minority to ask for acceptance. The law, the culture, and the people create the condition for the people to learn. And when they do, wonderful things happen. Like bún bò and ice cream and family photos with mixed-race nephews and nieces and grandchild.

“Mảnh đất giữ chân một người khi nơi đó nằm xuống một người thân, hay đang sống một người mà mình yêu thương” – paraphrasing Lý Lan

So here it is, to new beginning and old fears, to new challenges and old friends, we will get through this together.

And even if we don’t, even if the world is to end, I know I have lived a life that fulfills my promises and an earnest attempt to fulfill my potentials.