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As A Canadian, I Now Live In A State of Perpetual Uncertainty
“Mommy.”
My six-year-old turns over in bed, sits bold upright and stares at me in the darkness.
“Will Canada and the U.S. go to war?”
My heart lurches as I hear his question. My head spins with possible answers. Even at six, I try to always be honest with him. But this time, I am not sure.
This time it hits too close to home.
“Why do you ask that, buddy?” I try instead.
“I saw something on TV when we were out for dinner today. Something about a war.”
My heartrate calms a bit. “Trade war.” I tell him. “They were just talking about how the U.S. is going to charge us more money for things.”
He looks at me, I can see the lack of understanding in his face. Of course. He is six.
I am 36 and I struggle to understand it.
“But what about an actual war? You know like Russia and Ukraine have?” He won’t let it go.
I don’t know what to tell him.
I want to answer him with an immediate no. But I am not entirely certain of that answer. Will he hear the doubt in my voice?
