This day in history - Green Card.

Today will go down in history for me as I got the approval for my US permanent residency. Yay! When I got up this morning, I just had a funny feeling about the day. I just could not pinpoint what it was but went with the flow. Work wise, nothing really stood out and I was busy helping a colleague with reports, but throughout the day, the funny feeling kept gnawing at me. I took half the day off to watch soccer and thirty minutes before I left, I received a voicmail from the lawyer's office asking me to give them a call. Here I was thinking it was going to be more bad news regarding my immigration status. Lo and behold I was told that I my green card application was approved. As excited as I was, I was still a little cautious and asked her if it just meant that they received my approval notice and not the card. She told me that she had both and it was ready to be picked up later that day. You can't imagine the joy that went through my entire being! I shared the news with the office staff and they all congratulated me which was touching. Joel was out of the office, but I called him on his cellphone and told him about the good news. He was exhilarated for me and said it's time to pop open the good wine. That's for sure.

So, after the soccer game, I trooped over to the law firm and the lawyer handed me my green card without any major fan fare. In case you're wondering, the green card is not even green in color. It's the size of a credit card and pretty much looks like a driver's license. You can't fathom what the card means to me especially after all the hoops I've been through over the years. It's definitely the culmination of many years of ups and downs dealing with the immigration department.

I went to Mass and for me, it was most definitely a Mass of Thanksgiving and shared the news with the regular crowd and they were so happy for me. I then headed over to John's apartment so he too could share my joy. John and I chatted for a while before he had to meet some people for dinner. Instead of celebrating, I went back to my apartment, warmed up some leftovers and called my parents. Dad was out walking and mom answered the phone. From the tone of her voice, I could tell she was excited and happy for me as any mom would be. We talked for quite some time and she even texted my sis who sent a congratulatory text back to mom for me. Dad got back from his walk and mom did not say anything so I broke the news to him. Needless to say he too was happy and excited for me.

Later that evening, I sent out a mass e mail letting people know about the good news, and it was wonderful to hear back from them all congratulating me. That got me thinking how truly blessed I've been to have such dear friends who mean the world to me. They sincerely shared my joy and knew how monumental this day meant for me. Deep down I know I could not have done this myself and I have many people to thank especially Joel and the Board of Directors at Aging Resources who got the ball rolling. My only hope and wish is that in the future, I'll have the opportunity to pass it on to someone else. Joel told me a number of times that he's had people help/mentor him over the years and he's taken it upon himself to do the same if and when the opportunity arises. That's a pivotal life lesson I've learned from him.

In addition to Aging Resources, where would I be if not for the community of Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Student Center? They welcomed me back with open arms after I left the seminary and were there to provide support in every way shape or form during one of my most enduring and trying times when I did not know where life was headed. St. Kate's is not just a community, but one big family in my books. Even if they don't know it, I've adopted them whether they like it or not!

Today truly is a very special day in so many way and I'm not sure if words can even describe it, and I'm sure things will really sink in over the coming days. Where will all of us be if not for friends and loved one who are they for you through thick and thin no matter what? I am truly blessed and there's no other way to say/describe it.