Love Conquers All
User Story
By Lisa Kozak
After years of small-town living, my children and I decided to try our hand at the big city. Our choices were Edmonton or Calgary, (really, what kind of choice is that??) and Edmonton won. We packed up and moved in August of last year.
Moving to Mill Woods was a daunting task. Media hype and rumours about its less-than-desirable residents and crime rate were nothing if not intimidating. Nonetheless, love conquers all, and the three of us moved in with my friend of 10 years with whom I had rekindled an old flame. Geographically speaking, our little subdivision was perfect. Half a block from 3 different schools, a corner store and gas station, parks close by, you name it. We were quite content.
When the new school year approached, my children had some fears to face. My son and daughter, in grades 6 and 3 respectively, were natural extroverts with no problems making friends. Still, I could see hesitation in their eyes when I took them to the school on that first day. Expecting to see excited faces returning home that afternoon, I was shocked and dismayed when they both walked in visibly upset. What was going on here??? Had we made the wrong decision?? A million things raced through my mind.
With some coaxing and cajoling, I discovered the problem.
"Mom, we are NOT going back there! I CAN'T PRONOUNCE ANYONE'S NAME!!!"
I had to stifle a tiny smile. It was then that I realized I had moved my children from our small, dare I say, hick town, to the centre of Edmonton's multicultural melting pot with NO preparation whatsoever!! Sigh. Great. No longer up for the Mother of the Year award.
Two days later, my son came home from school and asked me to come outside and meet his friend. Before going, I asked his name. When my son told me, I honestly thought he was being smart with me. I berated him, but he insisted. I put down my laundry, prepared to be the butt end of my son's joke. On the way upstairs he turned to me and said, "Mom, he's East Indian." Never had I been more proud of my son. Or more ashamed of my own ignorance. It may have been the third day of school for them, but I was the one who learned the lesson that day. We love Mill Woods ;).
