Oh, Canada, we the people of America never wanted this breakup.

Our commitment to Canada was once something unshakeable. True Blue. Literally written in stone.

John F. Kennedy famously defined the nature of the relationship between Canada and the United States in words now etched in stone at the entrance to the US Embassy on Sussex Drive in Ottawa.

“Geography has made us neighbors,” he began. “History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies.”

He added, “We are allies. This is a partnership, not an empire.”

Kennedy spoke those enduring words in the House of Commons in the Centre Block of Parliament on May 17, 1961.

And the Ottawa speech proved to be the perfect opportunity for Kennedy to think globally but act locally. As he added, in words that ring true today: “It is clear that in an age where new forces are asserting their strength around the globe — when the political shape of the hemispheres are changing rapidly — nothing is more important than the unity of the United States and of Canada.”

This was an important symbolic salute to Canada and our enduring bond.

JFK’s first trip outside of the United States as president was to Canada.  

He was speaking as the newly elected 35th president  not yet 4 months in office and still only 43 years old, about to turn 44 on May 29th, the   youngest elected president in American history

Now the oldest president to be elected has destroyed that sacred bond in less than  2 months.

Canadians justifiably feel that the ties between Canada and the US have been permanently damaged.

Living on the American side of the longest undefended border in the world I am completely baffled and heartbroken.

For centuries, Canadians have seen the U.S. as more than the closest of Allies. America has been Canada’s closest partner and friend.

It was such an enduring bond, that it even inspired me at 14 to write a small story for my Junior High newspaper in 1970. It’s hard to say why I chose to write this ode to Canada that year.

Was I swept up in Trudeaumania like the rest of the world?   Canada’s prime minister “Swinging Pierre”  Trudeau the charismatic bachelor was a media sensation and even reportedly dating Barbra Streisand that year. But I suspect it was my deep affection for our most trusted friend and neighbor that motivated me.

I had completely forgotten this small article and came across it recently while rummaging through an old scrapbook and thought of a sweeter, simpler time.

My Favorite Neighbor Lives Next Door

Looking over my back fence, I can gaze into my next-door neighbors back yard. They have a big backyard, bigger than mine, yet there are more people in my family than theirs. In their household some of the people speak one language and the others speak an entirely different tongue. It can get quite confusing at times. We get along very well together for they are quite friendly folk and never get into a hassle with any of the other neighbors.

We, on the other hand, can’t seem to get along with any one of the families for blocks down. At one time they were controlled by a landlord, the same one we were controlled by ( this I might add was many years ago). However, now they own the land free and clear.

My neighbors are well known for mixing the new with the old, and it is quite a sight to see. Parts of their home are very modern, while other parts are ancient. In one corner of the yard close to ours, they have a large fountain that overflows into our property. People come from blocks away to look at the waterfall. That’s about all I can say now for I don’t want to lose the friendly relations I have with them now.

By the way, I forgot to mention my neighbor’s name. Her name is Canada and as for me -I’m the USA “

Now Americans have a tyrant living in our house, one that does not represent how we feel.

Oh, Canada we are still with you.