I've mentioned here previously the wonderful Elizabeth Fernando, who was the caregiver for my mother and father, and now my dad. She and my mother had an almost mother-daughter relationship, and I've always referred to Elizabeth as an angel on earth. I always refer to her husband Emmanuel as the luckiest man on earth. He acknowledges the point and agrees with it
Emmanuel's main job is working for a local bank, though on his day off he helps out with my dad on Sundays, or when needed. "Or when needed" is I think Emmanuel's middle name. He's as warm, attentive, bright, supportive, meticulous and decent as you could want in a person. Perhaps that's what comes from living with Elizabeth. Though I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that maybe that's what she liked about him in the first place. The two of them are absolute gems of people. I'll just leave it at that, since it pretty much suffices. They're from Sri Lanka, though have been in the United States for a long time, over 20 years, if I count correctly, and have raised three terrific, accomplished children. They've had green cards and have long-wanted to become citizens, but for reasons much too convoluted to explain, this always hit snags. And for the longest time, it looked like it wouldn't happen. Finally, though, a year or so ago, the family finally got approved by an immigration judge to start the process for citizenship. At last, they got to the point of being able to take their tests. Because of logistics, the way bureaucracy happens meant that the tests weren't all taken at the same time. A couple months ago, the three children were the first to take and pass their tests. Then, a short while later, Emmanuel did, as well. And a couple of weeks ago, to complete the circle, the angel on earth Elizabeth did. Emmanuel's swearing-in ceremony was yesterday. He sent me a simple note, "I am proud to be an American." With a "thumbs-up" emoticon. We're a better country for it.
10 Comments
Carol Sadow
11/14/2015 02:27:57 pm
I agree!! Elizabeth and Emmanuel are splendid people--always there for others. The USA is, as you sard, a better place now.
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Robert Elisberg
11/14/2015 03:36:36 pm
Carol, thanks very much for your note. It's good to have "public confirmation" from someone who knows Elizabeth and Emmanuel and about how special they are. And celebrates everyone benefiting from their citizenship.
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Roshani Mathew
11/14/2015 05:48:08 pm
How nice of you to write this! It's been a long journey for them and they deserve the happiness that comes with being a citizen. I'm proud to call them my parents.
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Robert Elisberg
11/14/2015 11:38:07 pm
Roshani, thanks. It's been a long journey for you all. But yes, they were the trailblazers. And congratulations to you, too.
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Emel Fernando
11/15/2015 11:42:02 am
Thanks for writing this up and taking time to say such wonderful things about my parents!
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Robert Elisberg
11/15/2015 09:05:20 pm
Emel, thanks for your note. I had the easy part, writing the article. It's quite some fine lives. And congratulations to you, as well.
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Uzair Junaid
11/15/2015 07:05:35 pm
Uncle & Aunty, congratulations really happy for you guys. This is a real sweet gesture and it is well deserved. Your kindness also well reflects from your kids and there upbringing. I'm really glad to have known you and wish you long healthy life ahead.
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Robert Elisberg
11/15/2015 09:06:49 pm
Uzair, thanks for writing. It's quite good stock you all have.
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Virginia Harris
11/15/2015 11:59:00 pm
Thank you so much for writing this so beautifully! They truly are one of a kind and proud to be my parents. It has been a long journey but worth it.
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Robert Elisberg
11/16/2015 08:45:38 am
Virginia, thanks very much. And I suspect there's more to come. Congratulations to you, too.
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AuthorRobert J. Elisberg is a political commentator, screenwriter, novelist, tech writer and also some other things that I just tend to keep forgetting. Feedspot Badge of Honor
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