My Canadian Homestead:

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February 15, 2026 — My Canadian Homestead My Story Begins in the Summer of 1928 offers an

intimate and historically resonant account of Helen Elizabeth Johnson’s childhood in the small prairie town of Canwood, Saskatchewan. Written before her passing, the memoir serves as a lasting gift to her children, who grew up knowing little about the early life their mother rarely discussed.

Johnson’s story begins in the summer of 1928, unfolding against the wide skies and rugged landscape of rural Canada. Through vivid recollection, she captures the texture of prairie life, the close-knit nature of small-town communities, and the responsibilities that shaped children at a young age. Daily routines were guided by the seasons, hard work, and cooperation among neighbors. Her reflections illuminate a time when simplicity and resilience were essential to survival.

The memoir offers tender details of childhood experiences, family relationships, and the cultural rhythms of early twentieth-century Saskatchewan. Readers are invited into a world where resourcefulness was learned early and where identity was closely tied to land and community. Johnson’s storytelling preserves not only her personal memories but also a portrait of a way of life that has largely faded from modern experience.

Yet beneath the warmth of recollection lies a deeper story of silence and fear. After relocating to the United

States, Johnson lived during the McCarthy era, when suspicion and political paranoia were widespread.

Because she never secured United States citizenship, she feared that any scrutiny could result in deportation. This anxiety shaped her adult life, causing her to remain guarded about her past, even within her own household.

Edited and illustrated with care by Ms. Teressa Lynn Diggs, the book preserves Johnson’s voice with authenticity and respect. The collaboration ensures that her reflections remain both personal and historically grounded.

My Canadian Homestead stands as a testament to the importance of preserving family history. It reminds

readers that untold stories often carry profound weight and that sharing them can bring healing and renewed identity. Through prairie landscapes and political shadows, Helen Elizabeth Johnson’s story now finds its rightful place in the light.

The book is now available — secure your copy here: https://a.co/d/0cc4CYsb

For review copies, interview requests, or additional information, please contact:

Helen Elizabeth Johnson

Email: terridiggs@hotmail.com