Institutionalized: 1940

In British Columbia

We have now arrived in Vancouver. As Greg and I left the train there was a man with grey hair that started running to Greg when Greg got off the train. When I left the train, Greg called me over. He introduced me to his dad. His dad said hello and his name was Ric. I said hello back. Greg told his dad right away that I was the friend that was with him then noted that I was more than a friend I was his fiance. Greg told his dad he asked my hand in marriage while in England. Ric told Greg that he was proud that he could find a woman after the crash. He informed Greg that he received a telegram informing his about the crash. The telegram noted that Greg had severe and went to the hospital then was transferred to an institution until the end of the war because of his condition. Greg told his dad all about how I was helping him while in the institution. Ric thanked me for being a good person and helping Greg. I told Ric it was my pleasure. Then Ric told us to get into the car because we have a bit of a long drive ahead of us.

Once we were on the road to Maple Ridge, I was just staring out the window trying to absorb the scenery and that I was really in British Columbia. Then Greg looked at me and asked why I was so quiet, I told him that I was taking it all in. Then he asked if I missed my mum. I told him yes I missed her terribly. I had tears in my eyes when I said that. He told me that it will be okay because we can invite her over once we are all settled. I told him that it was a good idea and I felt a lot better.

After almost an hour, we arrived at Greg's house. When Greg got out of the car, he was just staring at the house. I thought he did this because he was trying to remember what it looked like. Then Ric invited us in and told us to sit down because he was going to get our things from the car and bring them upstairs. While Ric was getting our belongings, Greg started to speak to me. He asked me what I thought of his dad. I replied by telling him that his dad was a nice man and told him that I thought that is where he got the good quality from. Greg's face beamed when he heard that.

Once Ric came back downstairs, he started asking me questions. The questions were things I have answered all the time. Greg told his dad that he was thankful I came in his life because he said if I did not then he would be depressed and cranky. I told Greg that he did the same thing for me. He also told me that I showed him that having a disability is not a burden. I replied by saying it was the least I could do considering that I have been disabled since birth. Then Ric noticed Greg was doing up a button with only his left hand. He asked Greg how he learned to do that. Greg answered that by saying it took practice and that I showed him how. Then Ric said something that made me smile, he said that disabled people can impress any normal person by how they can adapt to any situation.

Anyway, it is hard to say this, but I am settling into life better than I ever thought. We have been invited to a gathering with the rest of Greg's family. It is a homecoming for Greg. I am nervous because I do not know what the rest of his family will think of me. The gathering is in a few days.

The day of Greg's homecoming party has arrived. I have butterflies. I told this to Greg. He told me not to be nervous and enjoy the party. When we arrived at the party, Greg told everyone he had an announcement to make. He announced his engagement to me and will marry in a few years. After he announced our engagement, everyone was congratulating us. They also asked how we met. Greg answered that question because I was tired of repeating myself over and over again. During the party, everyone was telling Greg how brave he was to fight against the Nazis. They also said that he functions like a regular person despite the challenges. He told everyone the reason why he can function like a regular person was because of me. I blushed when he told everyone that. Then they asked me how I managed to do it, I just told them that it took practise because I have been disabled all my life and I know the tricks and strategies to be independent. They were impressed. After a while, Greg thanked everyone for the party in his honour and then Ric drove us home.