The telegram that shook worlds

 

I have a picture of a telegram. A telegram sent by my father across the vast expanse of ocean and sky. A message meant to bridge the gap between two continents, two world views and between a black sheep and his family. This telegram shook worlds. 

The telegram reads: “Childen and escort arriving by Canadian Pacific Airlines Wednesday december 15 0700 will take taxi direct to Huissen. Antoon Jeurissen.”

Such concise words, conveying so much. Three siblings embarking on a journey of uncertainty from Canada to the Netherlands. Not the father, but an escort, a guardian, a protector, ensuring their safe passage.

Prince Rupert, BC, Canada

This telegram was sent on December 14, 1965, from Prince Rupert, BC, Canada. Announcing that Canadian Pacific Airlines will be carrying my two brothers and me towards the Netherlands. We arrived on December 15, 1965, at Schiphol Airport. To be transported to Huissen by taxi.

Huissen, Gelderland, the Netherlands

Huissen is a place of origin for my father. For us children, it is a place of endings and new beginnings. When we arrived, we were four, three, and almost two years old.

This date, etched in time, is our moment of arrival, with a loaded encounter on the horizon for everyone involved.  That is because when my father left for Canada in the fifties, he became somewhat the black sheep of his family. Click here to read about what scientist say about black sheep in families.

Scattered identities in differents contexts

When "daddy" couldn't take care of us anymore, he saw his family in Holland as the only way out. But, his plan failed. His brothers were reluctant to take us in. I was separated from my brothers soon after. For a while, they lived with the two brothers in their homes. After that, they ended up in a children's home and different foster homes. These new situations shaped their identities. Despite being the beloved offspring of their father, they were now thrown into a world where they were viewed as burdens.
The experience was completely different for me. When I was placed with my later adoptive parents, my identity changed. I had to learn how to fit in with a new family with different traditions, beliefs, and expectations. I went from being the youngest of three to being the only child in my family. From being a mixed race person in a community of mixed race people to being the first internationally adopted child in a small and conservative community. A shift that profoundly affected my sense of self. To read more, click here.

A story, slowly shaping identities 

So, in the words in this telegram, there is a story. A confusing story of separation, loss, and temporary reunion, and longing for freedom. A story that transcends the paper it's written on, a story that slowly becomes a part of who we are, molding our identities in its own way.

In this telegram, I find a fragment of history, a fleeting glimpse into a world that once was, and a reflection of how identity can be shaped and reshaped by the circumstances of one's journey.

*End of Telegram.*

Please leave in the comments what your think… have a glorious day!