Citizen Casey

Well today was a big day. Not only did I turn 59 but I also was awarded UK citizenship via Zoom--the end of a seven-year journey including three visa applications, a Life in the UK test, and the citizenship application. It was like navigating a maze successfully to reach the pot of gold at the end. My friend Eddis, one of the two references I needed to apply for citizenship, was here for the ceremony.

After the ceremony, our friend Thea joined us. Even though my upstairs lounge isn't finished, I enjoyed entertaining in there today. We had Prosecco and chocolate cake followed by tea (all just before noon). I worked in the afternoon and then Louise and Alec called in in the evening, followed by Lynda and Alf. I had wanted to throw a party but the lockdown restrictions prevent that (no more than two households together). A series of socially distanced visits was the next best thing.

I had flowers delivered by the local florist--a gift from my generous neighbours up the street, the McLoughlins. I put them with the portraits I just had framed. They'll go on this wall once the wall paper is off, the holes are filled, and the wall is primed and painted.

I have just felt the love all day. Two other friends left flowers and more friends left cards and gifts. Talk about feeling welcome as a new citizen!

Citizen Casey. It's so weird, I have UK and US  citizenship, but in my heart I'm Irish. I told my friends I'm as mixed up as everyone else in N.I. Mom told me today my sister had the DNA test done and it came back 98% Irish. Given centuries of intermingling with Norman, Viking, English, Scottish--I'm not sure what that even means.

My great grandparents left Ireland desperate for a better life. Unlike them, I have had the luxury of choice, and I chose to return. Thanks to being married to a British man and to us having the requisite bank balance, I have had the privilege to secure citizenship. It is heartbreaking that the people who desperately need a safe harbour (refugees from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yeman, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Central America) are most often denied that privilege by many countries. My heart breaks for people living out their lives in refugee camps. I'm lucky my ancestors had doors opened to them, allowing each generation to avail of opportunities, including the opportunity to return. Below, recently restored portrait of my grandfather, Major William Francis Casey.

April 27