My Neighbors Across the Water

Canada, to me, is like a close relative who cares for me, and wants for me only the best. I am an American, across the river in Detroit, Michigan. Because we are so close and share many things, my life has been, and continues to be, enriched by Canada.

As a young child, my pre-school days were spent watching the CBC, and all the wonderful shows for children. Long before Sesame Street, my favorites were the Friendly Giant, Mr. Dressup, and all the other programs that were educational, but also encouraged creativity and taught moral lessons. I even loved the commercials! My favorite was the Dare cookie commercials. Later, the game shows with Alex Trebek, and all the news programs, held my attention. As I grew into adulthood, I watched as much Canadian television as I did the shows over here, and I continue to watch and learn.

Our jointly held Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, is a highlight each year, as we share the skies, lit by spectacular plumes of color in every shape and size imaginable. This event, is looked forward to, and celebrated by many families. They make a day of it by scouting a particular site, and spending the entire day picnicking until show time.

The fishing is great! My dad would leave early in the morning and return late in the evening with what he caught ,and it was great fun to prepare and make dinner with the catch of the day. The night life was the draw for my older siblings, and almost every weekend was spent at the clubs, just taking in the atmosphere of the night life. On a trip with a church group to Niagara Falls, I was awestruck with the beauty and majesty of it all. Easily, one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Detroit is known as "hockey town", but Canada is Hockey Universe. I learned to love hockey watching the Montreal Canadians and the Maple Leafs, play each opponent with great intensity. To root for either team's victory, was as natural as rooting for my beloved Wings; I know the feeling is mutual ,because when our Wings won the Stanley Cup, it was celebrated with equal glee by Canadians. It evens extends to the baseball team; a few years back, the Tigers advanced to the World Series , and they were right with us, cheering us on; I watched the sports coverage daily, and it was great to see the genuine support from the fans,and sportscasters.

The list of famous Canadians is extensive, and they have contributed to and enriched American life and culture, as well as the rest of the world. We have a saying in Detroit and Michigan about our region; " There must be something in the water", which simply means we are strong and talented people. I think this can be said about Canada as well. Thank you, my neighbors across the water, for the positive impact you have had in my life.