From the Azores to the True North: My Canada Day Gratitude

Canada Day always makes me pause—not just for fireworks, BBQs, or the extra coffee breaks (though those help), but to truly feel how far I’ve come.

I arrived in Canada years ago with a heart full of hope, two little ones in tow, and a nursing degree that needed translating into this new world. And somehow, this country said: Welcome. Let’s do this.

Canada didn’t just offer me opportunities—it gave me a stage to grow, stumble, rise again, and raise my children with dreams that feel real and reachable. From winter boots to “eh?” jokes to Tim Hortons coffee on the go, it’s all been part of shaping the woman, nurse, and mother I am today.

Here, I learned to chart faster than I ever thought possible (and cry in the break room without shame). I learned that diversity isn’t a buzzword - it’s what makes neighborhoods, hospital units, and lunchboxes richer. And I learned that being different isn’t a flaw - it’s the root of empathy.

So today, I celebrate not just Canada, but the version of myself that bloomed here.

Happy Canada Day, friends. 

Whether you're sipping maple lattes or just catching your breath—this is your sign to celebrate your journey too.