In the back of a courtroom, various families sit in awe.

People of all ethnicities are crammed into the pews available like sardines in a tin can. Hot, reeking air falls as if it is a fleece blanket over the room. Discomfort becomes a trivial matter, whereas eagerly waiting for spouses, parents, even siblings, to become citizens of the United States of America takes full priority.

Erin Meilhon is one of those yearning people.

Her France-native husband, Xavier Meilhon, waited 20 years in America before becoming naturalized. Paperwork spills from an envelope that he sends. He takes multiple trips to Milwaukee. He visits his doctor. He answers six questions correctly. Finally, he is rewarded for his efforts by being one of the first to file into the daunting, life-changing room where his family is sitting.

Erin makes her own sacrifice to be able to witness such an important event.

The seniors she has grown to known and love over the years experience their final day of French class with a substitute teacher.

While many NHS students face a bittersweet end without their favorite ‘professeur’, the select group of people who are becoming citizens face a hopeful beginning. The presiding judge inspires everyone. He honors all 25 countries represented–all of the countries that will forever have ties to one person by blood, but will lose a tie in the eyes of the law– as well as explains American ideals.

Xavier takes the Oath of Allegiance. He feels both the joy of Erin through her mile wide smile and the disapproval of his parents in France as he becomes an official citizen of the United States of America.

Question:  How does a man celebrate such a momentous occasion?

Answer:  By driving back home to Fond du Lac with wife and children in tow.