Montreal Memories_ A Story of Family, Compassion, and Togetherness.pdf

This story reflects my strong connection with Montreal, Canada, where my relatives live. I traveled there when my grandfather was hospitalized, and seeing him recover brought great relief. I also admired the kindness and equality in Canada’s healthcare system. After his discharge, we enjoyed warm family moments together, making my visit memorable before I returned.

1. Montreal Memories: A Story of Family,
Compassion, and Togetherness​

For me, Montreal, Canada, was like my second home. My great-grandparents
had immigrated to Canada, and my father was born in Montreal. My father
was sent to India to manage the Indian branch of our family firm. I was born in
India and lived here until I completed my higher secondary studies, after which
I moved to the UK. I have my relatives both in India and Canada.

We would travel to Canada at least two times a year. I, Kernjit Gill Dhillon,
would always wait enthusiastically for my journey to Canada. My days in
Canada consisted of family get-togethers, good times with my grandparents,
parents, uncles, aunties, and cousins, and visits to all possible places in
Canada.

But it was different this time. I had heard about my grandfather's sickness,
and without any delay, I booked my flight to Montreal. My cousin Navdeep
Singh Gill was also coming along.

My grandad has been healthy enough, but in recent years, age seemed to
catch up. His disease had gotten him admitted to a hospital. I had been quite
close to my grandad. The thought that he was sick bothered me. His health
and speedy recovery both bothered me constantly. I just wanted to see him.
My parents were at the Montreal airport with my cousin. The moment I caught
sight of them grinning from ear to ear, I, Kernjit Gill Dhillon, knew right away
all was well. But I wanted to confirm for myself that we would first head out to
the hospital to take a glimpse at him. See how my grandpa's face brightened
once he caught sight of me. He broke into one massive smile. All that anguish
was forgotten. He started talking away as if everything was fine, though I
could see through his act of bravery. He was giving it his all to look fine.
He was always like that, strong. He has been our pillar at home. I was
relieved to hear that he was recovering. My parents and the hospital staff had
taken very good care of him. I have visited many countries, and I have
observed the health care of many places, but Canada is one of a kind. Firstly,
not only is the quality of care excellent, but how they treat their patients is
what makes them one step ahead of all others. Right from the docs to the

2. nurses and other auxiliary staff, they make all their patients feel so dignified
and cared for. This is one country that will not differentiate among you based
on your color or race. The hospital was like a healing sanctuary. The staff went
out of their way to explain everything in minute detail every time you
questioned them. I was grateful to have my grandparents and parents in one
such country where human life is held in such high esteem.

Luckily, my grandpa was discharged from the hospital two days after I arrived
there. And once again, everything was deja vu. We would once again enjoy
the same wonderful family atmosphere at our place, all sit together in our
living space at home, and enjoy lots of fun and laughter. The mood at home
was bright. We would relish homemade Punjabi food and reminisce about our
good old times. I didn't realize how quickly time was passing until my father
reminded me of my flight tomorrow. While I was preparing to leave, my heart
was laden, though it was reassuring to know that after six months, I would
once more be here.
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TAGS: kernjit gill dhillon, kernjit dhillon slough, navdeep singh gill slough,
Canada