Unbigoted Boy

I am proud and relieved that my efforts have paid off and my son is a truly enlightened Albertan. He is the result of a mixed marriage, Alberta style. Big Lug is a true born and bred Calgarian, I'm an Edmontonian. Kidlet is unique. It's amazing when someone can say "I'm not from someplace else, I was born in Calgary". It's even more amazing when someone can say "I'm a second generation Calgarian."

Kidlet provided some mirth and merriment on the bus Wednesday evening when I told him what our Thanksgiving plans are. It's not often you see someone clap their hands with delight and say "Goodie, we're going to Edmonton! I love Edmonton!" I have worked very hard at instilling not just civic pride but provincial pride in my son. Big Lug, however, sometimes has to grit his teeth, especially when the Edmonton Oilers or the Edmonton Eskimos go further than the Calgary Flames or the Calgary Stampeders in the playoffs. Most painful was the hockey season when it looked like the Edmonton Oilers were going to win the Stanley Cup.

Part of the reason why we are going to my hometown for Thanksgiving is as a present for my 90 year old grandma. She's four feet, nine inches of strong will, intermingled with love, affection and pride who might not be able to see well with her eyes but still has a sharp mind. It's also easier for Big Lug and I to put our one child in the truck than it is for my brother and sister-in-law to put their three children in the station wagon. Last, it's a give of love. Big Lug knows that despite the fact I'm learning to call Calgary home, fall is when I get the most homesick. Edmonton is beautiful this time of year, with the trees in the river valley changing to their fall colours.

Proverbs 9:11 For by God will your days be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.