Thursday, January 27, 2011

How Could I Have Skipped This One?

(flag image from PatriotIcon.org)

Something else, of great import (to my family), occurred on January 26, about which day in history I wrote yesterday.  Perhaps it slipped my mind because it was of such recent history, said event actually occurring only yesterday.

My granddaughter is married to a fine and brilliant man who was born and educated in India.  Shortly after coming to this country to work in his chosen field (about 12 years ago), he finalized all the requirements to obtain a Doctoral degree in Neurotoxicology.  He and my granddaughter, who met here in Arkansas,  have been married for over 10 years, and have two beautiful, highly intelligent and adorable children (and that's not just a great-grandmother talking.)

Yesterday, January 26, 2011, my grandson became a citizen of the United States of America.   Everyone in our family is pleased --no, delighted -- and very happy.

The nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office is in Memphis, Tennessee, and it was to that location that he traveled early yesterday morning to finalize the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.  Unfortunately, my granddaughter was not able to go with him to witness this momentous occasion.  She was in the hospital recovering from unexpected and necessary surgery which occurred late Tuesday afternoon.  Grandson stayed by her bedside until 3:00 a.m., when he was relieved by his father-in-law, my son,  then drove to Memphis  for the 8:00 a.m. official ceremony.  He returned to Little Rock in time to take his wife home that afternoon (laparoscopic surgery is a wonderful thing.)

I understood that becoming a citizen of the United States was not a 'snap-your-fingers'-easy thing to do, but I had no idea, until I started doing some online research, what a lengthy and sometimes tedious process it is.

I heartily congratulate him, and all the people, young and old, who also became U.S. citizens yesterday.

For additional information on the process of becoming a citizen, I invite you to watch this short video.


or, click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzRxQfsMMSk&feature=related

Tomorrow is also a day.

10 comments:

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

How exciting! Congratulations and best wishes to him and your granddaughter...what a wonderful time this must be for them.

George said...

Congratulations to the new citizen and to our entire family. It is not an easy thing to become a naturalized citizen. I hope your granddaugther is doing well.

Carolina said...

Best wishes to your granddaughter and congratulations to the new American citizen :-)

Arkansas Patti said...

Congratulations to the new citizen. I too have heard it is not an easy thing and sometimes wonder if those of us born here could pass the tests.
So glad your granddaughter is now home and I hope recovering well.
Good news all around Pat.

rhymeswithplague said...

What wonderful news! Congratulations to all of us!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Congrats to your granddaughter's hubby... Becoming an American citizen is a wonderful happening... I know you are proud of him, of ALL of them.
Hugs,
Betsy

Hilary said...

How wonderful. Congrats to your family. I hope your granddaughter is on the mend.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Congratulations to all! I have a friend who recently completed the process and you are correct, it's quite lengthy and involved and not easy. But oh so worth it! blessings, marlene

Marvin said...

Congratulations to your grandson, family and all of us who benefit from his citizenship.

Unknown said...

I did this back in August and it was just a special, special day. I am so sorry she couldn't be there with him. Many congrats!