Ok, here's the update (sorry, was posting in my blog as didn't want to annoy anyone with this soap opera LOL)
Ok, re: Immigration
When I initially followed up on it, I had called the 1-800 number (toll free number for long distance, no charges to me) that was at an office outside of my province. I guess the twits (yes, MULTIPLE TWITS) with whom I spoke were not aware that Quebec laws differ from some of the other provinces.
So, it boils down to that FOR MY MARRIAGE, I do NOT need to prove citizenship. Only to provide a valid birth certificate. That's IT.
But, yes, I still need to pursue this Immigration issue and get it settled, and it will still be a lot of red tape.
As per the US Embassy, I am still, according to THEIR Immigration laws, an American citizen and ALWAYS will be no matter what. Even if I obtain a Cdn citizenship.
As for the Cdn Immigration laws, it's all complicated and convoluted, but I am pretty much guaranteed citizenship. It's just a question of paperwork. I am entitled via different routes for different reasons, so they have absolutely no reason to deny me, when I do file the paperwork.
Derivative through mother, derivative through common law hubby, 'grant' due to my long residency here - 34yrs -, late registration of birth abroad, mother to 2 canadian children... etc LOL Basically it's mine, it's just a question of time and dollars to file the application and take the test.
OK
As for my dress.
For the moment, it appears I shall be wearing my beloved Nana's wedding dress that she wore for her own wedding during WWII. In likelihood, it has likely seen the back of several brides due to the circumstances and shortages back then, during that terrible time (just as she and my grandfather had mismatched bands due to shortages).
While it's not my 'style' nor exactly my taste, it is still a lovely dress and as it turns out - FITS ME PERFECTLY. (ok, the arms are a tad short, but that can be fixed).
You can see it in my blog.
I was in tears the moment my mother told me she still had it. I'm waiting to see a picture of my Nana on her WEdding day to see how she did her hair and what accessories she wore.
I plan on scanning the picture and printing it to frame it.
When I tried it on, I was so overwhelmed with feelings, I couldn't speak for a moment. So much history in such a shred of fabric.
It does need some repairs before I can even consider cleaning it. It was stuffed in a bag for over 60yrs... I'm hoping it's even possible to make the repairs so it doesn't fall apart when it's cleaned.
Needless to say, the UTMOST care will be taken about the cleaning of this peice of history, my heirloom dress.....My Nana's dress....
Ok, so that's the update.
So, I now have less stress, and can focus on the little stuff (like finding an officiant to perform the ceremony on the date of my choice LOL)
:hug::hug::hug: to everyone
if you can get one of these people on your side it will be much quicker and cheaper for you, especially if you can get the sympathy over getting married bit.
