The Story of Annette Margrethe Tarasoff (nee: Adelborg)
Denmark
It seems like a fairy tale: Once upon a time, my grandfather was a gardener at the King's summer palace in Aarhus, Denmark. Mum, Dad, my brothers and I lived with him in a fine house named "Viola".
But in reality, life after World War II wasn't easy. Good jobs were scarce. Wages were low.
I remember Mum's delight when we finally got new furniture. Days later, Dad proposed emigrating to Canada, Land of Opportunity. Mum's lovely new furniture? Sold to raise Dad's plane fare.
A New Start
In 1957, Dad flew to Victoria, British Columbia, then headed north to Duncan. He found work at a sawmill and saved enough money to bring us over.
We sailed to Montreal, and then crossed Canada by train (LINK to Travel Anecdotes: Train). The long journey was an ordeal because we spoke no English. Imagine our joy and relief when Dad was waiting at the station!
In school, my brothers and I soon learned English. Mum got a job as a school janitor. At fifteen, I quit school to work as a housekeeper and cleaner.
Love and Marriage
When I was eighteen, I met Robert Tarasoff, a pipe fitter at the sawmill. We fell in love and married the following year. Soon we had two little boys and owned our own home. Life was good—until 2003, when the mill closed.
Another New Start
After 31 years, Robert was out of work. Job prospects in Duncan were grim, so he proposed moving to Alberta, Land of Opportunity.
As I prepared to sell our beloved home, I could appreciate what Mum and Dad must have felt forty years earlier.
Robert found a job near Red Deer, Alberta, a beautiful city with friendly people. We like it here, but the cold winters are hard to get used to!
Adapted from the 2007 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• Fairy Tale fan? Stroll through the Children's Garden of Imagination
• Find out why Erik Hedegaard wants to know more
