Realization

[camac]

When I was a member a few years ago I wrote that I was caught between what I was , Scots or Canadian. In 2007 I returned to Scotland to meet my Fathers' family for the first time. I had never known him as he was killed in the war and I never knew about his family until I went looking for them. While I was in Scotland I had a fantastic time and I got to meet more cousins than I ever thought possible. I was born on the west coast and he was from Dundee on the east coast so I spent all my time there.
There are two important lessons I learned, one being the need for family but I think more important was the realization that although my blood is Scots I am not a Scotsman. I am a proud Canadian. I have little or nothing in common with my Dundee Family nor for that matter my Troon Family. I am a Canadian from the top of my head to the soles of my feet and the best part is I am no longer torn in loyalty.

[MattPayton]

I live in the US, Tennessee specifically, and I am decended from both Scots and Irishmen. They came to the US four generations back, but I still feel loyalty to all three! Haha. So I know how you feel, or felt rather. It is definitely difficult!

[tjbren]

I also understand about feeling torn between countries. Although, I am more of a Sybil - the woman with several distinct personalities.

Between my mother and father, I get no less than eight nationalities! French, Canadian, Italian, Norwegian, Native American, Czechoslovakian, Scottish, and Irish.

I am more Scottish than anything else, however. I also identify with my Scottish heritage more than any other.

This year I became a Scottish Laird, so I proudly use my legal title.