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Saturday, September 23, 2006

New American Citizen!

The swearing in ceremony took place at the Federal Courthouse at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, 21st September, 2006. Thank you all for attending and for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, and for wearing red, white and blue in my honor. You mean the world to me. Jesse was with me and I could clearly feel his pride in this achievement. I do wish he could have been here in person!! It's our 6th wedding anniversary tomorrow, and I will be having lunch with my parents-in-law and with Sheila, and we will toast Jesse.

posted by Sue-Lynn TX @ 11:45 AM  

10 Comments:

  • At 9/23/2006 11:56 AM, Blogger Sue-Lynn TX said…

    Dear Family and Friends

    Thursday was a full day. My new, sweet friend, Vicki, came over early and we drove to Tom and Viola’s house. We left with them, before 8:00 a.m. and were at the Federal Courthouse at about 8:15. Tom had a wonderful time seeing all his old friends from the days when he worked in the Sheriff’s Department.

    We made our way to the second floor where guests took their seats and Petitioners (that’s me) handed in paperwork and our “resident” cards. Then we were seated in the front, and I was in the best front seat. Firstly, we each received a signed letter from President Bush, congratulating us on becoming new American citizens.

    “Dear Fellow American:

    I am pleased to congratulate you on becoming a United States citizen. You are now a part of a great and blessed Nation. I know your family and friends are proud of you on this special day.

    Americans are united across the generations by grand and enduring ideals. The grandest of these ideals is an unfolding promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, and that no insignificant person was ever born. Our country has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by principles that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests, and teach us what it means to be citizens. Every citizen must uphold these principles. And every new citizen, by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less, American.

    As you begin to participate fully in our democracy, remember that what you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you to serve your new Nation, beginning with your neighbor. I ask you to be citizens building communities of service and a Nation of character. Americans are generous and strong and decent not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves. When this spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace it. When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.

    Welcome to the joy, responsibility, and freedom of American citizenship. God bless you, and God bless America.

    Sincerely,
    George W. Bush.”

    Finally, the Honorable Janis Graham Jack entered the Jury Room and addressed us. The Immigration and Naturalization Officer, Felix Velasquez, mentioned each country by name, from which a new citizen had come. There were 60 petitioners being sworn in, from 22 countries. We each stood as our country was called. Mexico was called last and that group contained the largest number of new Americans.

    Then the Veterans Band Color Guard presented the flag. We all remained standing and turned to the flag, while the National Anthem was sung so beautifully by Robert Padilla, CSO. I had tears streaming down my face because I could feel Jesse’s presence so strongly, and he was so proud of me. For me, it was an extremely bittersweet ceremony.

    We then all took the Oath of Citizenship and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

    Naturalization Oath of Allegiance
    to the United States of America
    Oath:

    "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

    Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
    I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to The Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

    Then Judge Jack introduced two speakers, both Newly Naturalized Citizens. One was from the Philippines and told her personal story. The other was from Mexico and spoke about her struggle and her dreams.

    Thereafter, we all were presented, individually, with our Certificate of Naturalization and a small American flag, and were encouraged to have photographs taken with the Judge.

    Many of my friends managed to attend the ceremony. My neighbor surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of red roses, blue irises and white baby’s breath. A gorgeous bouquet! It was so good to see everyone there and was an incredibly poignant and emotion-filled morning.

    As we made our way out of the courthouse, we had the opportunity to register as voters. I did. I will be voting in the November elections.

    From there, we made our way to the Art Center at the Bayfront and Tom, Viola, Sheila, and myself and friends Vicki, Dorothy, Jackie and Lloyd, who drove in from San Antonio, as well as Cheri and Marvin who are also new friends, had lunch and cheesecake at Jezebel’s! I was spoilt and received American teddy bears, sparkly brooches (US flags and US apple,) and also received American-themed jewellery and two flags: The US flag as also the Stars and Bars, from Louanne and Rick in South Carolina. Although less well known than the "Confederate Battle Flags",the Stars and Bars was used as the official flag of the Confederacy from March 1861 to May of 1863. The pattern and colors of this flag did not distinguish it sharply from the Stars and Stripes of the Union. Consequently, considerable confusion was caused on the battlefield.

    As this is also the start of Rosh Hashanah, and as Thursday was my "birth day" as an American, perhaps this is my spiritual rebirth too. Someone pointed out that Jesse’s last gift to me was citizenship and that this is a new start for me. Perhaps it is. I miss him terribly, though, and keep putting one step in front of the other, because that’s all I can do. My thoughts are with all my family and friends at this time, and I send everyone all my love. God bless.

     

  • At 9/23/2006 8:52 PM, Blogger granmarnie said…

    My dear Sue Lynn. What a beautiful picture of you as a new American. Of course, all pictures of you are beautiful.

    It's wonderful that many of your friends could attend the ceremony.

    You are celebrating so many things right now - new citizenship Rosh Hosanna, and Your and Jesse's anniversary. Your cup runneth over except for the one big thing in your life - the loss of Jesse. But, he is with you as you felt him as you were sworn in. And yes, we all know he is so proud of you. We are all so proud of you. Welcoms Sue Lynn as our new patriot of the USA and of Cat's Cozy Nook. We love ya.

     

  • At 9/23/2006 9:02 PM, Blogger granmarnie said…

    Sorry that should be Hasana.

     

  • At 9/23/2006 9:03 PM, Blogger Sue-Lynn TX said…

    Granmarnie, thank you so much for your validation and your love and caring. Means the world to me. I love you too! God bless and hugs to you and to Kiddykaht!

     

  • At 9/24/2006 7:29 PM, Blogger Toronto Girl said…

    Dear Sue-Lynn,

    How wonderful for you that you are now an American citizen! I just love your photos as you look so radiant in them. I also just love the photo of you and Jesse which I am presuming is your wedding photo that you placed for your anniversary. Such a beautiful photo of the two of you! I know that he is looking upon you with pride and love and knows that you will do just fine as time goes on and will have lovely memories to look back on....

    Sue-Lynn, you are one brave lady and a very strong one, as well. You know it is said that God doesn't give anyone a burden, more than they can handle and I believe that that is true. I believe and know that with every fibre of my being....

    I have heard and read many times in my life that when we pass on to the next life we see and are with our loved ones who passed before us and I know that you will see Jesse again when God calls you home when He is ready to do so...just as I will see my parents when it is my turn....Oh, to be in God's presence....what could be better than that???

    Anyway, my friend, congratulations on this wonderful occasion and may God forever bless you!!

    Lots of love and warm hugs for you, girlfriend.

    Beth

     

  • At 9/25/2006 6:12 PM, Blogger Sue-Lynn TX said…

    Dear Beth

    Thank you so much for your validations and good wishes. Yes, that was a picture of us on our wedding day. It was our 6th wedding anniversary yesterday. It was a very quiet Sunday. I had lunch with my mother-in-law, and Jesse's previous wife. It was nice to be just us "girls" for a change. We had "white zinfandel" wine. I had a glass only and got rather tiddly. I toasted those of us who WERE there, and those of us who were NOT there! I had to nap when I got home, and when I woke up, I was feeling terribly lonely and extremely depressed. Sundays are not good days around here. I don't know how long it's going to take before this awful emptiness begins to fade. It's just so painful. I get tired of being strong, Beth. I want to lean on my husband for a while. That will never happen again. :(

    I have to think that his final gift to me was my citizenship. I woke up though, and thought, "Here I am, an American citizen, and all my family are not with me!" I felt SO ALONE! I guess it will take a long while to start again and try to build another life!! Sometimes I wonder whether I've got what it takes to start yet again!!

     

  • At 9/25/2006 6:57 PM, Blogger Toronto Girl said…

    My dear Sue-Lynn,

    I am sooooo glad you had a pleasant time with your MIL and Jesse's previous wife. It is always sooooo good just to be with women and yak away about anything at all and just let loose.....

    You absolutely, have what it takes to start a new life again!!!!!! Oh yes indeed you dooooo!! Things will absolutely get better very gradually and I know that Jesse would be soooooo proud of you and he is proud of you and how you are dealing with this. Things, I have always believed in, happen for a reason and I also believe that it means that better things are yet to come in their own good time, gradually....Please have faith in God and ask Him to lighten your burden so He can take your burden off your shoulder so you can trust in Him to handle what has happened to you and so you can start to live again and bring all kinds of new things into your life as you try different things and I know Jesse would want you to go on with your life and be the best you can be during the rest of your life.

    I understand totally how you feel about not wanting to be strong but to lean on your husband but just try leaning on God and let Him handle your burden and trust that He will do just that. If you do that, dear friend, you may feel just a bit lighter in spirit and know that God will protect you.

    I was wondering, for starters, is it possible for you to visit your parents back home even for a week or so? I know that would be pricey unless your parents could visit you in Texas....Would that be possible???? Not sure if they would be able to travel at an advanced age but I have seen many people travel in their 70's and 80's but it depends on their health, of course... Just a thought I had a moment ago. Could Gidon come and visit you for a week or so for his vacation???

    Anyway, dear Sue-Lynn, I know things will definitely get better for you but it does take time and you if you could just persevere, I know you will come out on top of the situation in your own good time....

    I don't worry about you for a minute!!!! I know you can be the best you can be in your own good time and just take things one day at a time and eventually, you will feel better gradually....I believe this with every fibre of my being....

    Much love and big, warm grizzley bear hugs just for you, my friend.

    Beth

     

  • At 10/06/2006 6:56 PM, Blogger Catnappin said…

    That's not only a fabulous picture of you, but the posts that have been left say everything. You are loved, admired and supported from so many angles, my friend. The road goes ahead, and with you are all your friends. Love is out there again for you...triumph and joy and peace...throw a few things in your backpack, don't forget plenty of water...and go off into the adventure. You're in great company!

    I had a great view of the ceremony, even though Boppie's shoulders were a bit crowded! Lilbit sure did try to hog the good view!

     

  • At 10/06/2006 8:46 PM, Blogger Sue-Lynn TX said…

    Y'all jiggled and wobbled... for a minute there, I thought it was ME doing that under my dress!!! LOL!

    Thank you so much, Cat and Beth. Your encouragement and support is just so wonderful to me. I appreciate each and every word and sentiment. God bless! LOVE and HUGS from me.

     

  • At 12/18/2006 9:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Sue Lynn, I guess I must've said things to you on the blog. Sorry I didn't say anything here.

    Congratulations to the New Citizen!! I agree with Cat & Beth. They say things so much better than I can. You are strong & have come a long was in the past few months. Keep on "keeping on"!

     

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