This Land Is My Land...

September, for me, is a roller coaster of emotions; from the happiness of becoming a wife, the joyful memories of becoming a mother, to the heartbreak of losing a parent.

One more memorable event is held in the arms of September, and it came about in 1958 when a young husband, wife, their daughter and a pet parakeet set sail for the journey of their lifetime. Yes, you read it right, a parakeet! Saying goodbye to grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, teachers, school chums and your home is no easy task and I can only imagine how difficult it was for my parents, after all they were the adults. Boarding an ocean liner in Southampton, England…destination New York, America is something you never forget. (Cue Neil Diamond.)

Being just a youngster at the time, I never gave much thought to how much guts courage it took on my parent’s part, to basically and blindly face the unknown in a strange land. We had a sponsor family as that was required to immigrate, and I know my father spent hour upon hour completing paperwork, followed by trips to London and a meeting with the powers that determined if the Queen wanted to let you go American Consulate.

Four days into our Atlantic crossing, rumors circulated that our arrival would be delayed due to a hurricane that was causing problems in the shipping lanes. I was eleven years old, we didn’t have hurricanes in England, I was clueless, but not for long! Hurricane Helene, the strongest hurricane of the 1958 season, and our ship made contact somewhere in the middle of the ocean. Windows were broken, dishes were smashed, and bones were broken. My Mother, who hated water and ships to begin with, was terrified, I know how hard she tried to hide it but I can still remember the look on her face as the ship pitched and rolled through the stormy sea.

On the 30th of September, 1958, four days late, the SS Arosa Sky limped past the Statue of Liberty and slid into its berth in New York Harbor. We had arrived!

Fifty one years have passed since that young girl from England stood in awe of buildings that touched the sky and cars the size of buses. Well, at eleven they seemed that big! I have never returned to my homeland, I keep thinking I will visit someday but with each passing year, it seems less likely. I consider myself to be more of an American (a citizen for nearly 40 years) than a Brit but somewhere deep inside; my heart hums God Save the Queen now and then.

My parents were so proud to call the United States their home. I only wish they were still here to celebrate another anniversary.