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