Embrace
User Story
By Lisa Hill
I moved to Edmonton in 1984, from Rhode Island. I was very nervous about my big move, and the only person I knew was my new husband, who had been an Albertan all his life.
It was a huge change for me. I had grown up in a small bedroom community on the ocean, where everyone knew everyone else. I didn't know a soul; I didn't know how to get around because the street system was so confusing to me. I was constantly getting lost and more and more frustrated. Never once, when I asked for help or directions, did anyone get rude or impolite. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. Over the years I made the most amazing friends. People who made my life more enjoyable just by being there.
After 18 years of marriage, I became divorced. Never did I appreciate my friends as much as when I was going through this difficult transition. Since I had children here, going back "home" was not an option. But still, it was difficult, all of a sudden losing my Alberta family and being "alone".
My friends always made sure that I was never alone at Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. I always had more than one invitation to their homes so the holidays wouldn't be so lonely.
The outpouring of care and concern was overwhelming. To this day I am touched by the kindness of Edmontonians and their ability to show this kind of compassion. I see it every day in all aspects of my life.
My job has me involved on a daily basis with people immigrating to our city. I consistently share how lucky they are to be moving to such a wonderful place and how welcoming Edmonton is. I feel as though Edmonton has adopted me as a family member, and as much as I miss home, Edmonton has been my home since my arrival, and leaving here would be out of the question. I have been to other cities in Alberta, and by no means am I being disrespectful, but none hold a candle to what we have right here in our own backyards.
I have embraced all that Edmonton has to offer, and by doing so it has embraced me right back. What a wonderful place to live, to raise a family, and to call home.
