Upcoming reunion with my long lost brother

[JBoy]

I'm a Canadian who grew up in Toronto in the 60s and 70s. As many of that era, much of my life was shaped through television. In the days before cable TV, we got two stations from Toronto, and three from Buffalo. And all the "good" TV was on the Buffalo stations. In fact my interest in US politics came from watching the Sunday morning talk shows as a kid.

There are some differences between Canadians and Americans, but in my view many more similarities. Scholars have tried to characterize our relationship and our differences: mouse vs elephant; mosaic vs melting pot. While these are interesting, I'm more interested in the similarities. It's there that I find reassurance and comfort.

There is a monument at the border near where I now live in Vancouver that speaks to these similarities. The "Peace Arch" was erected right on the border, to commemorate the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. On one side of the arch, the inscription reads: "Brethren dwelling together in unity"; on the other "Children of a Common Mother". We are indeed brothers with a common mother.



Well, 8 years ago someone took my brother away from me. They've changed my brother to become almost unrecognizable to me, and I don't like it. I see occasional flashes of my old brother, but these have sadly been few. But now it's looking like my brother may have had enough, and wants to come home.

I'm really looking forward to meeting up with my brother again on November 4th.

[SteppingRazor]

1. Whatever, dude. USA! USA! USA! USA!

:P

[Betsy Ross]

2. Your sister sends a big hug and kiss. n/t

[Wapsie B]

3. Here's a webcam for the Peace Arch.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/Border/

[Robbien]

4. Thanks. We are hoping to meet back up with you also

Just keep a candle burning for us. We are working hard on getting it back.

[deaniac21]

5. Someone needs to tell you canucks that an arch is curved.

[DavidDvorkin]

6. I love that arch

When I first saw it, it brought tears to my eyes.

Too bad about the traffic jam at that crossing. There are smaller crossings that are quicker, but you miss that wonderful monument.

[underseasurveyor]

7. I'm sorry to say that your brother is going to need a shit load of rehab

But I think the prognosis looks promising :toast:

We missed us too

[Oregone]

9. No doubt...it may take decades of rehab...

That is to say, if things don't backslide within that time.

And its been far more than 8 years. Far, far more.

[Javaman]

8. From your brother:

Dear brother,
8 years ago, I slipped into a sort of insanity. I honestly don't know where it came from. I mean the previous 8 years, was the best 8 for as long as I can remember.

well, today, I can say this: I'm on good meds. They are called, Obamatrin, my sanity is slowly returning and I'm supposed to make a full and complete recover the on the morning of Nov 5th.

On that day, I would love to hoist few Molsens with you, if that's okay, apparently they have no effect on the meds and in fact enhance it.

That is of course, if you still want me back. Mom, well, she stopped talking to me for a while but she seems to be wanting to reach out again.

It's been really lonely and I want my family back. :)

Cheers,
Your lost but now found brother.

[blaze]

14. Obamatrin!!

LOL! I need my dose of Obamatrin!

[RB TexLa]

10. Common mother? What "mother"?

[Javaman]

15. Jolly old England. nt

[RB TexLa]

16. Then that excludes me from this "family" I thought that is what it was going to mean.

:)

[eowyn_of_rohan]

11. Hey there- This is your other sister!

What a sweet reunion it shall be. I love Canada and have been too ashamed to travel outside this cage for the past 8 years!

[bobbolink]

12. Beautiful, poetic monument!

"I'm really looking forward to meeting up with my brother again on November 4th."

Beautiful statement!

Thank you, brother!

:pals:

[Orsino]

13. Sorry, but November is bad. December may be worse.

How about January? Is late January good for you? We need to get cleaned up to look presentable.

[JBoy]

17. Yeah, that's just like you.

Get all cleaned up, roll in late, and then steal my girlfriend.

[Javaman]

18. Then drink all the beer. nt

[Orsino]

19. Don't hate the playa.

Hate corporate fascism.

[Arugula Latte]

20. Mom always liked you best!

But, hey, we miss you too, bro! :toast: