The Story of Per and Lilly (née Christensen) Falkenberg-Andersen
Darling Lilly
That Christmas (1954) Per met Lilly Christensen again. They had not spoken or written since he immigrated to Canada and Per assumed she was already married. But Lilly was still single––and interested. She was completing her studies to become a teacher. By the time Per left Denmark in March, he and Lilly were engaged.
Working up north had paid off. Per had earned enough money to buy his return ticket to Denmark, buy a new car in Toronto on his way back and buy a quarter section of land near Dickson. He was all set to welcome Lilly when she arrived.
Lilly Arrives in Canada
Lilly graduated in June 1955 and flew to Canada. Per picked her up at the Calgary Airport in his new car, a panel station wagon. The first thing Lilly noticed was the measly airport building. What kind of place was this?
Per wanted to show Lilly the mountains, so they drove from the airport to Banff National Park. Lilly had heard many tales about Canada's wild animals, especially bears and wolves. She was terrified. Besides, Per seemed to be driving too fast and she told him so.
Per invited her to drive––soon, she was driving even faster.
Pancakes
They camped for three days, sleeping in the car. One morning they went to a restaurant for breakfast.
Per ordered pancakes and Lilly was nearly sick. She had never seen so much food: pancakes, sausage, bacon and eggs. This breakfast was like three meals in one!
Per told Lilly this was the kind of breakfast he hoped for in the future––and Lilly said, Absolutely not––unless you cook it yourself!
Adapted from the 2007 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• Will Lilly adjust to life in Dickson? See Lilly's Scandalous Behaviour
