September 1974

After André's assignment in Vietnam, in 1974, his family relocated to India, where he became First Secretary – Development at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi.

André returned to Canada briefly for a CIDA promotion interview.

Angel's parents visited from Reddipalem to Delhi during this time.

André wrote to Angel:

September 23, 1974

Dearest Angel,

I wish to let you know that I arrived safely in Montreal on Friday night, just as planned.

The flight went smoothly from start to finish. Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by my father and mother, who are both in good health. They often asked about you, Eric, and Marc, and they wanted me to pass along their gratitude for the delicious sweets your mother prepared.

On Saturday, I visited the Lake Matembin and had the chance to see our summer house, which has seen significant improvements. By Sunday night, I reached Ottawa. René and Odette are also doing well, and I am pleased to report that the issue regarding payment of the electricity bill for our Doucet house has been resolved.

Cottage at Lac Matembin

The change in time zones has left me feeling quite sleepy during the day, especially around noon, but I have a couple of meetings scheduled within CIDA that I must attend.

Despite these activities, I feel very lonely and am already longing to return. How are you doing? How are Eric and Marc? I wonder if Father and Mother in India are feeling homesick. Is Mother’s wrist healing well?

I will be returning to New Delhi via Aero flight SV 553 A from Copenhagen, with departure scheduled for 8 October at 15:00. Please check the expected arrival time of the plane in New Delhi. I will confirm my travel plans by cable.

Please take good care of yourself, Eric, and Marc. God loves us all, and my love for you is infinite.

Sending you a thousand kisses, André

PS: Notes to Angel

Important suggestions for Angel

Personal Care and Well-being

Please make sure to take good care of yourself and the children. Remember to take things easy, especially as you are feeling tired and excited. The key to managing everything is organization, so try to pace yourself and avoid overexertion.

If Marc is having trouble sleeping through the night, consider postponing his last feeding a little more to help him rest better.

Emergency Contacts

In case of any emergency, consult the telephone directory prepared by and for the staff of the Canadian High Commission (see page 4). You can reach the Canadian High Commission at any time, day or night. Additionally, David Veitch (Editorial note: CHC colleague) has offered his help and is available should you need assistance.

Mail Arrangements

I have requested Sharma, Srinivasan, or Mrs. Jane Pilon (Editorial note: CHC assistants) to notify you if a personal letter arrives. Please send Henry (Editorial note: CHC driver) to collect it at the High Commission.

Financial Matters

I will sign a couple of blank cheques for the US commissary. If you need rupees, fill out a slip from the Chartered Bank booklet with the desired amount. Give the booklet to David Veitch or bring it to Mrs. Helen Sing. Mrs. Sing will go to the bank on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Therefore, submit your request to her on Monday or Wednesday. You will receive the money on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon.

Automobile and Fuel

There is a booklet of fuel coupons in the glove compartment of the car, which should be sufficient for more than 100 litres. This should last until my return, but if more is needed, visit the US commissary to purchase another booklet (USD $35) for 200 litres.

The car may need to be taken to the garage for repainting and servicing (basic service costs Rs. 22). Please coordinate with Henry for the most convenient time.

Health and Injections

Each Wednesday, you may need to take the children to the Canadian High Commission for injections. Please check with Mrs. Joy Mani, the nurse, for details.

Upcoming Reception

There will be a reception on the 20th at 7h00 PM. in honour of the new High Commissioner and his wife, organized by Mr. W.J. Jenkins (Editorial note: CHC second in charge) at his home. Attendance is not mandatory, but if you can attend, it would be appreciated.

Return Information

From Ottawa, I will send a telegram to Veitch with the exact date and time of my arrival in New Delhi. He will relay this information to you.

Sunday Mass Arrangements

For Mass on Sunday, do not go to the Cathedral, as it is too far. Instead, visit the Holy See Embassy. Henry knows the location (it is where the driver mistakenly took us last Sunday). Henry can drive Celina and Joji (Editorial note: Baby seater and servant from Reddipalem) to the 8h00 AM Mass, and you can attend the 10:00 AM Mass. To confirm the Mass schedule, check the board in the wine and liquor section at the US commissary.

Servants’ Holidays

Remember to provide one day off (preferably Saturday or Sunday) to Henry and the other servants.

French School Parents’ Assembly

If possible, attend the general assembly meeting of the parents at the French School, scheduled for Saturday the 21st at 9h30 AM. at the Alliance Française.

Final Notes

Above all, take care of yourself, do not work too hard, and keep smiling. God loves us, and I love you infinitely.

André

June 1974

Editorial note: Marc, our second son, was born in Vietnam on June 6, 1974.

After Angel returned home from the clinic in Saigon with Marc, André wrote her a short letter.

June,14, 1974

Saigon

Dearest Angel-maman,

As you return home and we spend our first day together once more, we wish to honour this special moment by expressing the depth and endurance of our love for you. Your presence fills our hearts with joy and gratitude, reminding us of the strength of our family bond.

To commemorate this occasion, we present you with a pair of earrings. Each earring carries its own significance: one represents Eric Ratna, and the other symbolizes Marc Reddy. These precious gifts are tokens of our affection and a celebration of both our children.

The diamond ring you already wear is a symbol of your husband's infinite love—a lasting reminder of the unwavering commitment and devotion that binds us together.

With all our affection, we send you countless kisses and embrace you as our cherished Angel-maman. You are truly the centre of our world and the heart of our family.

With love from your three diamonds,

André

Eric Ratna

Marc Reddy

Éric Ratna welcoming his new brother Marc Reddy

January 1974

In January 1974, Angel and Éric traveled from Vietnam to India to visit their Indian family. At that time, Angel was pregnant with Marc.

The subsequent correspondence was composed by André during Angel and Éric’s 1974 visit to India.

January 11, 1974

My only one, my love,

How are you? I wish to continue the thoughts I shared in my first letter, though I must admit I am a little worried. I suspect I may have made a mistake in addressing that letter, as with this one, which I have sent to B. M. Reddy (Editorial note: Indian brother-in-law). However, I think I forgot to include “Welcome Tailors” and A.P. in the address. This happened because I wrote from the office and did not have the complete details at hand. Perhaps someone could visit the post office in the village Hanam Konda Chowrastha and check if there is anything there for you, under your name, care of B. M. Reddy.

Mary (Angel's sister) and Mareddy, her spouse

Before continuing with new updates, let me recap what I wrote previously:

I love you.

Please take good care of yourself, of Eric, and of the baby.

Love to all our parents.

I miss you.

The night you left, we were robbed: a shirt belonging to Tung (Editorial note: Tung: a casual home employee) and our iron box were stolen.

After three days of reflection and investigation, it became quite clear that Tung was responsible.

On Friday night, I dismissed Tung, giving her 5,000 for her 11 days of work.

Now, I will continue with the latest news. As I previously mentioned, Yan—who was pushed and influenced by Tung—believed that Mme. Thut was responsible. Therefore, when I let Tung go, I did not think Yan understood what was happening. After Tung’s departure, I allowed Yan to finish her work before asking her to speak with me. In brief, I explained that, even if she did not completely understand, all indications pointed to Tung having stolen the iron box. I told Yan to consider the matter closed, mentioning that I had received reports about Tung’s previous life, which suggested that she was not so recommendable. Yan seemed to understand the situation and appeared relieved. Afterward, I went to our room and read until 11h00 PM. This all occurred on Friday.

January 12, 1974

On Saturday morning, I woke at 10h00 AM and began my day with breakfast. Afterwards, I made my way to the villa and attended to several matters with Lindsay (Editorial note: Canadian staff working at ICC). Once those tasks were completed, I proceeded to the office and worked there until 11h30 AM.

From the office, Mr. Bô drove me to the cercle sportif. I spent some time swimming and relaxing until 14h00 PM, at which point I returned home by taxi. Prior to leaving, I had instructed Mr. Bô to take the car to the garage for repairs. After arriving home, I read the newspaper and waited for news about the car.

The car was repaired at around 5h30, PM which allowed me to attend Mass. Upon returning home, I had supper. Yan requested permission to go home that evening and return Monday morning, as was expected. Since I had no serious objections, I agreed, but advised her not to regard this exception as a precedent for the future.

Later, I went back to my room and continued reading a novel. Around 9h30 PM, the doorbell rang; it was A. Ludwick, who brought me a couple of letters from Michel Jutras (Editorial note: Medical doctor, director of CIDA TB project). We talked briefly, and at about 10h00 PM, he left. I returned to my room and read until midnight before finally going to sleep.

Your Husband, in love, André

January 13, 1974

On Sunday, I awoke feeling a deep sense of sadness and loneliness.

At 8h00 AM, I went downstairs to have my breakfast. Afterwards, without opening the doors to the outside, I returned to my room and spent the morning reading until 1h00 PM. At that time, I went downstairs again, opened a can of chicken soup, and ate it with bread. I then continued reading until 3h00 PM.

Later in the afternoon, I went downstairs, opened the doors, and began dismantling the swing to paint it. Mr. Tein (Editorial note: security guard) kindly assisted me with this task and mentioned that the following day, he would sand the swing thoroughly and ask Neagh (Editorial note: security guard), who is scheduled on the next shift, to paint it. As we were finishing this job, Ted Skrebek (Canadian embassy Chargé d’Affaires) arrived unexpectedly. He had just received a letter written by Bordeleau (Editorial note: A Canadian officer from External Affairs) and was quite upset, particularly by the paragraph on the last page where Bordeleau stated that he considered me incompetent. Skrebek reassured me that this was not true. I replied that Bordeleau’s comment did not trouble me greatly. We continued our conversation for about an hour.

At 6h00 PM, I had a simple supper of bread and canned corned beef. Afterwards, I cleaned the kitchen a little and took a walk in the garden. I then closed the doors and settled down to write to you.

At this moment, I find myself longing deeply to be with you and Eric. It is truly sad to be separated from you both. Nevertheless, I hope that you are enjoying your stay and that our parents are delighted to see you pregnant and with Eric. My dearest, each time you are away, I come to realize the depth of my love for you and how much I truly need you. Even though I may sometimes appear confident and self-sufficient when we are together, please do not believe it—it is not the reality. I need you more than I need my own eyes.

How is Eric? Please tell him that I send him a big kiss and ask him to take good care of his Maman. And once more, take good care of yourself—do not become too tired. Remember that, until June, you still have a long journey ahead, and you need all your strength. If your parents are curious about what I am writing, repeat my last sentence to them and tell them I ask them to care for you in my place, just as I would do myself.

How are your mother and father? How are Rajah and Lourdhu, their wives and children? Did you talk with your brothers? Did you bring Marreddy with you, and how did everyone react? I hope all are in good spirits! Perhaps you could tell them that if they do not work hard enough, I will start to scold them as well.

If your mother appeared young and beautiful without teeth on your last visit, she must look even better now with new, false teeth. How are your father’s legs? Please congratulate him on his excellent crops; it was a significant accomplishment!

As I mentioned at the beginning of this letter, I am addressing it to Marreddy because I suspect it will reach you during the final part of your journey, likely at your sister’s place. There is no news yet from home in Canada, except for a reply from Anu to my previous letter and a letter from Mr. Veitch asking you to bring twelve bottles of Nukmam (Editorial note: Vietnamese fish sauce)—though I suspect his request may have arrived too late. We have received a letter from Henrietta Griffitts and one from your father, which I am eagerly waiting for you to read. What a shame that you are not here to read them together!

With infinite love and countless kisses for you and for Eric, André