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Friday, April 04, 2014

Woot! There it is!!

"No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man's permission when we ask him to obey it." ~Theodore Roosevelt

   Today began with an alarm at seven am to ensure we had time to travel from Cowley all the way into Paddington Basin. After tea and breakfast we set off--all the locks behind us now. 
   We stopped at Bull's Bridge Tesco store for a few bits and bobs, and topped up our water; we turned the boat and off we went back to where we were a year ago next week--before our lives changed forever with Les' cancer diagnosis. So much has changed in one year!
   We've faced the challenge of cancer together and hopefully overcome it. We've cruised south again in order to be on the move as we like, but still near Watford for Les' prostate surgery on the 23rd. He's had the pre-op appointment for this surgery so hopefully all will proceed as planned. 
   After much hemming, hawing and faffing about I've finally been given the proper lenses for my glasses at the staggering sum of an equivalent of four hundred U.S. dollars.  It is good to be able to see clearly again!
   We stopped for lunch along the Paddington Arm at one O'clock. As we sat opposite each other sharing a lovely meal of cold potato salad and slices of freshly baked, warm Three Cheese Bread, my phone rang. It was our daughter-in-law Joanne. A letter had just been delivered by a courier from the Home Office. I closed my eyes and let out a breath. 
   "Please open it and read it to me Jo." Les stopped in mid chew and gave me an intense look.
   "It says that enclosed is a Biometric Residence Card!" I punched the air with my fist and yelled, "Yes!!!" And then the tears came.
   I've had many a sleepless night the past three months waiting to hear about my Indefinite Leave to Remain. It has weighed heavily on my shoulders since I arrived in the UK in September of 2011.
   Nothing is a done deal until I have it signed, sealed, and delivered in my hand. The debacle with my glasses is a case in point of how my life usually does not fall easily into place. I am generally the anomaly in any given situation and this has happened repeatedly throughout my life in issues large and small--often enough for me to know not to count my chicks before they hatch. People who don't know me well often think I am a pessimist as a result. Those who do know me well and have witnessed my life unfolding, know I am a realistic optimist.
   As Les and I continued our cruise into London the smile never left my face. I must say I do feel different! I am changed into a person who has gone from having one country to having two! And I know this sounds ridiculous--it certainly made Les laugh when I told him--but I feel double-more married to him now; I guess because the Home Office recognized our marriage is legitimate and we do love each other. We chose to marry each other and live together in this country and now we can get on with our lives without any worries about deportation or Plan B's involving my return to the U.S. with Les selling our boat and living as a house husband while we bankrupted ourselves attempting to seek Indefinite Leave to Remain in the U.S. for him. My happiness feels like a candle glowing in my heart. Things, as Les says, are falling into place.

25 comments:

Caroline and Martin said...

awwww, so nice to read your happy news, Caroline

Anonymous said...

Weeee!!!!
The oh too long a wait and worry is over with. Congratulatons Jaq. I'm sure there is great relief and joy.

Carry on you two and may the surgery go on as planned and successfully.

Karen of Pullman ... still in Walnut Creek.

Tom and Jan said...

Arrived back in the UK yesterday and read your latest post today! Well done... Of course I knew it would happen! :-)

All the best

Anonymous said...

So happy for you!! Even I feel more optimistic so you really must. I know what you mean about the two countries too. Love to you both.

Sally

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Thank you Caroline. It is a relief!
JaqX

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Hi Karen,
Yes it is indeed a great relief. And I know you know what that feels like! Take time for yourself in WC.
We love you gobs and bunches!
JaqXX

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Welcome home Tom! I'll bet Jan was over the moon to have you back. Thanks for your assistance and advice lo those many months ago--and for your confidence in our case. Your support helped more than words can convey.
We hope to meet you both in person one of these days!
JaqXX

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Hi Sally! Lift a glass for us the next time you and Joe go out okay?
We love you too!
JaqXX

Jacquie said...

Many congrats Jaq & Les, all them months of paperwork and jumping through hoops & the £££, finally the waiting game and burden, is over. Oh do have a great celebration. Thinking of you, luv Jacquie xxxx

Boatwif said...

Excellent news Jaq, we're both absolutely thrilled for you. What a great relief for you both. Congrats on finding (or should that be "fighting") your way through the system. Well done, well done! Thinking of you and hoping to see you again soon,
Love Sue and Ken, nb Cleddau

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Sue and Ken,
Thank you so much for your love, friendship, and kindness over the last two and a half years. I also feel as though your support for our case made a tremendous difference to us. You both helped me keep my chin up when it was close to hitting the floor.
We hope to see you both soon.
Love Jaq and LesXX

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Girlfriend,
Thank you so much for all your love, good wishes and support. We cannot wait until the time we can finally get back together and celebrate!
We love you gobs and bunches,
Jaq and LesXX

Patti said...

Congratulations! We knew you could do it!! We shall raise a glass to your studious efforts this evening, and know now that the UK is in far greater hands than before with citizen Jaq. Seriously, what magnificent news all the way 'round. Love you! Patti and Steve

Anonymous said...

That's great news Jaq. I'm so pleased for both of you.

It was lovely to see you again Jaq and to finally meet Les earlier this week. I hope your London trip is a memorable one - I guess it will be now!

Safe travels
Alistair

PS The chocolate cake was delicious!

Carol said...

Many congratulations Jaq, one worry off your shoulders for good!

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Hi Patti!
Thanks for all of your loving support and friendship--both in the U.S. and Abroad. WE think of you and Steve frequently and hope the two of you will get around to a visit over here one of these days soon.
Love Jaq and LesXX

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Thank you Alistair!
We really enjoyed your visit. Yes indeed this London trip will be memorable. As for cake, if I know you are coming to visit I will make sure and bake one!
Love JaqXX

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

Hi Carol,
Spot on! I told Les I feel like someone has lifted a ton of rocks off me. I've been carrying that "What if" tension around in my body for nearly 3 years. It's great to have it gone and know I am legal!
Love to you both,
JaqXX

Paul and El said...

Cor Blimey well done xx

Unknown said...

Congratulations,no chance of bloody well getting rid of you now!!! LOL
Such a relief for you both and a nice boost to face the next bit. XX

Anonymous said...

(As ever, so much to catch up on).....and Congratulations! Should there have ever been any doubt..??!! You must be beaming! You'll be seeing London through rose tinted glasses now!! xxxxxxxxxxxxA

SnowyOwl said...

Congratulations!!! That's one thing less to worry about now. Enjoy the big city!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Paul and Elaine,
Thanks and hope all is well with you both.
Jaq

Anonymous said...

HI Carol,
Nope! You are all stuck with me now! Yes indeed it is lovely to feel like no matter what we face next I am not carrying that stress and worry of being told "Go back to the States."
Love and hugs to you,
JaqXX

Anonymous said...

Thank Ang! WEel as you've read I had a bag full of doubts. All gone now!
Love JaqXX

NB Valerie & Steam Train by Les Biggs

NB Valerie & Steam Train by Les Biggs