10 Years Ago Today, I Landed in Canada. A Lifetime of Thanks

Ten Years Ago, My Life Changed Forever

Ten years ago today, I landed in Canada with a single suitcase and a heart full of hope.

I had lost everything to the war in Syria: My home, the life I once knew. But when my feet touched Canadian soil, something extraordinary happened. A dream began again.

I arrived as a Syrian refugee.
Ten years later, I am a proud Canadian.

I am a husband.
A father-to-be.
A founder.
A storyteller.

And most importantly, I am someone who believes that kindness can change the course of a life.

Learning Canada, 🇨🇦

The last decade has been filled with moments both big and beautifully ordinary.

Ten years of shovelling snow (and wondering if winter ever ends).
Ten years of trying maple syrup on everything.
Ten years of checking the weather every hour.
Ten years of calling everyone buddy.
Ten years of apologizing… and apologizing for apologizing too much (I now say sorry to furniture).

Somewhere along the way, Canada became home.

None of this happened alone.

From the very beginning, people showed up for my family. They chose to. Volunteers, neighbours, teachers, mentors, friends. Communities that opened hearts.

I am forever grateful to Settlement in Antigonish for Families from Everywhere (SAFE) and to every group, family, and individual who welcomed humans seeking safety and peace. Humans like me.
They helped us belong.

A Promise to Give Back

Canada gave my family a second chance. And with that gift comes responsibility. I am on a mission to give back, to share stories that inspire hope, to build businesses rooted in purpose, to create spaces where kindness leads, and to tell people that good exists even after unimaginable loss.

I will never lose hope again. Not after everything I have seen. Not after everything I have been given.

Canada, I Am Home

Ten years ago, I arrived unsure of what tomorrow would bring.
Today, I stand here with gratitude for Canada. For Canadians. For the chance to build a new life.

Canada, I am home. 🇨🇦
And I am just getting started.

Good people are everywhere. Good people are here.