BLAINE, WASHINGTON – Peace Arch Park is a bit of a no man’s land – not quite Canada, not quite the United States – but for Jim and Jane Simpson, it’s a part of their relationship.

The tree at the end of the park is where they had their first kiss. The gazebo at the other end is where they got married in September. The picnic benches are where they have family barbecues.

And as they remain separated by the closure of the U.S.-Canadian border, it’s the one place they are able to easily meet in-person.

Jim Simpson, who is American, and Jane Simpson, who is Canadian, went to elementary school in Vancouver together but lost touch after seventh grade. Last April, amid the start of the pandemic, they reconnected on Facebook.

Jane Simpson, 57, has visited Jim Simpson, 57, in the United States nine times at his home since the pandemic started, but every time she comes back to Canada she gets tested three times and completes a two-week quarantine. She doesn’t have to do that following their park meetings.
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