August 1975

In 1975, the family, is now in Delhi, where Marc-baby is baptized at the New Delhi Cathedral. His  grandparents from Reddipalem attend the ceremony. Angel's sister,  Mary, is Godmother, and her husband Marreddy is Godfather.

Mary holding Marc

First row: Celestina's husband - Éric - Mary - Angel holding Marc - Celestina (baby-sitter)
Second row: André -Thathaya - Ammama

In August 1975, Angel travelled to Reddipalem accompanied by Éric, Sunita and Marc, the three children.

André writes:

August 6, 1975 (1)

Dearest,

I hope you are doing well. How are the children, especially Marc? Has his cold improved? I am curious about your arrival at the Hyderabad airport—was the welcoming warm? Were all the boxes and luggage intact when you arrived in Hyderabad? There are many questions on my mind, and I would appreciate it if you could answer them in your next letter.

After I left the Delhi airport, I went back home to retrieve my briefcase and to give Vijayan (Editorial note: our servant) instructions for the rest of the day. I asked him to thoroughly clean the staircase from the roof down to the bedroom floor, as you know there was a considerable amount of dust. When I returned for lunch, I found that the cleaning had been completed.

Travelling from B-4 West End (Editorial note: home address in Delhi) to the office proved challenging due to the rain. In several places, the road was flooded with up to two feet of water, causing many cars to get stuck. Fortunately, I made it to the office slowly and without any major inconvenience. My workday proceeded as usual. When I returned home at 5h15 PM, I slept for a short while, then took a shower and went to a friend’s house for dinner. There were six people at the gathering: Ross, Nick, a new girl from the High Commission, a new man from the High Commission, a Dutch lady whom you met at François’ place, Fria, and me. (Editorial note: CHC colleagues) I returned home at 11h30 PM.

This morning, Vijayan prepared my breakfast at 7h30 AM, and now I am at the office. At noon, I have been invited for lunch by a colleague from the V.K. office. After work tonight, I will most likely go for a swim before heading home. Please note that Vijayan is on leave today.

How are father and mother, Lourdhu and Rajah, Mary, Marreddy, and the others? Please extend my best regards to everyone. Has Mr. Davidson (Editorial note: Director of Myrada, an Indian NGO) from Bangalore visited Reddipalem? What were the results of his visit?

Please inform Sister Virginia that she will probably receive only 12,000 rupees, which should be sufficient to finish the roofing. If you have some time, I encourage you to visit the dispensary—the new construction—and share your impressions with me. In your opinion, will the Canadian funds be well utilized if we provide them? Your feedback will help accelerate the issuance of the money. I will try to bring the cheque with me (please do not mention this to the sisters) when I come to Reddipalem.

Tell Eric that Papa is asking him to take good care of Maman, Sunita, and Marc. How is Sunita eating—does the curry make a difference? I hope Marc is not feeling ill. Please remember to boil the water.

Sending thousands of kisses and hugs to you and the children. Infinite love, André

August 7, 1975 (2)

My Dearest,

I hope this letter finds you well.

How are you, and how are the children? Please give my love to father, mother, and the entire family. I am wondering if it has been raining heavily in Andhra Pradesh.

Angel's Mother and Father

Here in Delhi, since you departed, I have not seen even a glimpse of sunshine. It has been raining continuously—rain upon rain. As the French poet Verlaine wrote, “Il pleut dans mon cœur comme il pleut sur la ville...” (“It rains in my heart as it rains on the city.”)

Yesterday was rather uneventful. I returned to work at the office after our long holidays, and I find it difficult to get back into the routine. I really must motivate myself to accomplish tasks, but today, I am determined to do better.

For lunch, I visited a colleague from UK. and returned to work around 3h30 PM. In the evening, I was invited to dinner at André Charbonneau’s home (Editorial note: CHC colleague). André is having some furniture made and took the opportunity to show me a beautiful wall unit of shelves, made of teak wood by a local carpenter in New Delhi. The shelves are designed to hold the sound system, TV, books, cupboards, and even a secretary desk, and all for less than $600—half the price one would pay in Canada. This piece of furniture would be perfect in our new house, especially in the room adjacent to the living room, which is currently the dining room but could be transformed into a music, TV, and library room.

The only challenge is the delivery time: it takes about two months from the order date. If we want this wall unit, we need to place the order soon. This Saturday, André Charbonneau and I will visit the manufacturer to examine the furniture in more detail. Of course, I will not make any decisions before hearing from you and certainly will not order the shelves without your agreement. Please let me know your thoughts as soon as possible. Can we afford this purchase now, especially if we also consider buying an Indian-style living room set?

If you agree to the shelves, I would like to place the order by the end of next week at the latest. On Saturday, I also plan to visit the showroom for the living room furniture we saw advertised. I’ll be sure to update you on that as well.

Yesterday, Hary Dilawri (Editorial note: A Canadian, car dealer in Hull) called and mentioned that he will come to the office today. He invited me to Punjab for the weekend, but I think I will decline. There are too many matters to attend to here—various claims, and Sunita’s adoption process, for instance.

My Angel, please take good care of yourself, and do not stay up too late at night. How are the children? Please tell them that I send them my love and kisses—a big kiss for each of them, and for you, infinite kisses.

With all my love, André

August 9, 1975 (3)

My dearest,

How are you? And how are the children? Please be sure to take good care of yourself and the little ones during my absence.

Life here continues at a slow and rather lonely pace. Yesterday, I received your final letter sent from Hyderabad, and it brought me comfort to know that everything went according to plan. I want to reassure you not to worry about Joji (Editorial note: servant from Reddipalem) becoming too attached to you, as it remains uncertain whether we will ultimately bring him with us. We will make that decision in due course.

Vijayan has been doing an excellent job keeping the house clean, and it seems he is more capable in the kitchen than we previously thought. Given his skills, perhaps it is best to keep him with us until our departure. However, when it comes time to pack and prepare for our move, having an extra pair of hands—such as Joji’s—might be very helpful. We can make that decision when the time arrives.

On the financial side, I received the payment from Air France, totalling RS.46,000. With this amount, plus an additional $150, I was able to pay our share of the rent for July and August immediately. As a result, I am now quite short on funds. However, I expect to receive more money at the beginning of next week, as I have submitted all our claims for travel to Canada, TD, and the interview in Ottawa, totalling $425. We should be reimbursed for these expenses, but since the money was spent in Canada, it is possible that Ottawa will deposit the reimbursement directly into our bank account, so we might not see those funds here in Delhi.

I have also completed the paperwork for our hospitality allowance for April, May, and June, and have requested an advance of Rs. 6,000. I hope to receive this advance by next Tuesday so that I can deposit it into our Delhi account.

The weather yesterday and this morning has been pleasant, though very hot. This Saturday morning, I plan to go to Connaught Place with André Charbonneau to visit the furniture manufacturer. Have you sent me your thoughts on this matter yet? If not, please do so as soon as possible. Today, I also intend to write home and keep myself occupied with various tasks.

How is everyone in Reddipalem? Please give my regards to father, mother, and all the family. Has father found out whether the arrangements can be finalized regarding my travel claim with the government? We will see how that develops.

I miss you and the children very much. Please tell Eric that his papa asks him to take good care of maman, Sunita, and Marc. How is Sunita adjusting to her old environment? Is she eating well? And what about Marc—does he still have his cold? Is he teething? Please say goodbye to Celina for me.

Sending you all my tender kisses and infinite love. André

André, Éric, Sunita and Marc in Gatineau

August 10, 1975 (4)

My dearest,

I hope you are well, and that the children are doing fine. Are they sleeping better at night? Perhaps you might consider shortening their afternoon rest if you wish to resolve their difficulties with sleeping through the night.

It was a wise decision to remain in Vangapadu (Editorial note: Village of Mary and Marreddy) until next Tuesday. In doing so, you and the children will avoid the exhaustion that comes with travel. The only inconvenience is that, since you left, I have sent all my letters to Reddipalem. This means you will have to wait until Tuesday to read my messages.

Today is Sunday—a very lonely day without you and the children. After I woke up this morning and had my usual breakfast (as Vijayan is on holiday), I gave instructions to the Mali, who arrived with another worker to finish his tasks. He had not appeared all week, but tonight the work is nearly complete, and he is expected to return tomorrow to finish everything.

Following this, I attended Mass and then went to the office to write a letter home, mainly to express my thanks to everyone. Around one o'clock I returned home, ate a little, read, and took a nap. At three o'clock, I repaired the small ceramic elephant that was broken during the move, as well as a lamp that was upstairs near the door leading to the roof. Last week, I had asked Vijayan to clean the staircase to the roof, which he did very well.

I have also been working on plans for furnishing our new house in Limbour. Yesterday, as I mentioned before, I visited ALANKRIT, the manufacturer we received an advertisement from. Their pieces are beautiful but quite expensive. I am particularly tempted by a living room set made of teak—the sofa is priced at Rs. 2,700 and each chair at Rs. 1,250. I also think we should purchase a small folding bar for about Rs. 2,000. Perhaps we could ask them to add an Indian touch to our two dining room speakers, which would cost Rs. 2,000 or Rs. 3,000 each. Additionally, four small brass stools to match our table, and two brass lamps (which we could buy on Janpath street or elsewhere), would make for a lovely Indian-style living room. Please note, the prices for the sofa and chairs do not include fabric; we would need nine metres at around Rs. 50 per metre.

ALANKRIT furniture

For the wall shelves in our music/library room—if you agree—we should order as soon as possible, as it typically takes two months between placing the order and receiving delivery. Should I wait for your return to Delhi, or should I go ahead and order now? I have already made plans and measurements for the music/library room. The wall shelves for our sound system could look like the design I have drawn by hand. The room itself is small (11x13 feet), so all we could accommodate would be: 1) the wall shelves, 2) the small Tibetan carpet, 3) the Lazy Boy chair, 4) the Hide-a-Bed (Monique), and a small wooden chair for the secretary. From above, the layout would be like what we had at 20 Des Érables (Editorial note: Home in Gatineau, Canada).

For the kitchen, I am considering having the stools made here if it is more economical. We can wait for your return before making a final decision. As for the family room, you are right— the TV should be placed there. Eventually, we will buy comfortable chairs (one for you, one for me), and with the TV, these three chairs, and a couple of straw stools like the one we already have, the space should be well appointed. In the meantime, we can make do with our dining set. Our bedroom poses no issues, but the children’s rooms present a space problem. We will need to discuss and find a solution together.

My dearest, you can see that I am trying to keep myself busy during your absence. If you have time, please write and let me know your thoughts on all these matters. Tell Eric that he should begin learning to read and write soon—he could read this letter and write to me. Please tell him I ask him to continue being a good boy and to take care of Maman, Sunita, and Marc. I am very glad to hear that Sunita is eating well—bravo, Sunita!

I noticed you may have forgotten to take the mosquito spray. Please ensure the children, especially Marc, do not get bitten. It would be terrible if, just a short time before returning to Canada, one of us were to contract malaria.

My love, I am already making plans to join you as soon as I know a little more. I will write again about this soon. Please give my best regards to father, mother, and everyone.

Your husband sends you infinite, tender kisses, and kisses to the children as well. André

August 13, 1975 (5)

My Dearest,

I hope this letter finds you well. How are you, my love? I trust the children are in good health and spirits. I miss you terribly, and I find myself longing for the children as well. Life is not the same without you all, and my thoughts are constantly with you. I hope you are enjoying your time and making the most of your stay. Please give my warmest regards to father, mother, and to our brothers, sister, and everyone else in the family.

Now that you are in Reddipalem, you must have received my previous letters. Please write back soon—I am eager to hear from you. Life here continues at a slow and steady pace, nothing particularly eventful happening. After our long holidays in Canada, I am only just beginning to regain my focus and motivation at work. It is much more difficult now, knowing that we will be returning to Canada soon.

Yesterday, I wrote to CIDA in Ottawa regarding the Reddipalem water supply scheme. I informed them about the project and asked for patience from the people involved, assuring them that I am working diligently on their behalf. However, it is important for everyone to understand that we must exercise caution to ensure that the 2.5 lakh rupees are properly utilized. The project is currently being studied very carefully in Ottawa. I explained that there is always the possibility that the project could be rejected. Personally, I sincerely hope that the people in Ottawa will not apply a “benefit analysis” to the project, as I have mentioned to you before. If they do, it may reveal that the ratio between the cost and the number of beneficiaries is quite high, with each person in the village amounting to a cost of 500 rupees. Let us hope, pray, and wait for CIDA’s response.

Water tank - Reddipalem

Last night, I attended a reception hosted by the commissioner for Mr. & Mrs. Church, who are replacing J.  Farrow. The day before, David Veitch kindly invited me to his place for lunch. Tomorrow night, there will be another reception at the High Commission, this time in honour of M. and Mme Lapointe, who are replacing the Jenkins. After the reception, François Laberge has invited me for dinner. On the 19th, I am also invited by the Laberges.

Life here continues with one event after another, but I must admit, this weekend will be a long and lonely one for me. Friday is also a holiday, which only adds to the sense of solitude—it seems to be my fate.

A Note to the Children:

Eric, Sunita, Marc,

Are you all still being good? Take good care of Maman.

I send you all my biggest hugs and kisses.

X X X

Papa – André

My love, please take good care of yourself and of the children. I love you deeply and send you endless, tender kisses. Yours always, André

August 16, 1975 (6)

My Love, my only one,

I hope this letter finds you well. How are you doing? And how are the children—especially Eric, is his cold improving? Is Marc alright, and what about Sunita? I wonder if you have received my previous letters, and whether you have had a chance to reply.

Today, I am planning to visit the furniture manufacturer to discuss the wall shelves. I have prepared a detailed plan for what is needed and will ask him for his price. If his prices are significantly lower than those in Canada, I will likely place the order. However, if they are not, I will wait for your letter before deciding. The days seem to pass slowly and, with each one, I feel increasingly lonely. This loneliness makes me look forward even more to joining you, my other half.

Here is what I am thinking: on Friday night, August 22, or Saturday morning, August 23, I will fly to Hyderabad. I will stay in a hotel on Friday night, and on Saturday morning, I will work with Ed Spratt, our Canadian colleague, on the dryland project in Hyderabad. On Saturday afternoon, August 23, I plan to take the Golkonda Express. I will ask Marreddy to meet me at Khazipet station and pick me up on his motorcycle. Then, on Sunday morning, I would like Marreddy to bring me to Reddipalem.

What do you think about this plan? I will write to Marreddy, but it would also help if you could ask him to come and get me at Khazipet station on the afternoon of August 23. Please let me know the exact time the Golkonda arrives at Khazipet, as it is important for me to decide whether I should arrive in Hyderabad on Friday night or Saturday morning.

Additionally, please let me know if father is willing to travel with us by plane. If he is, I will need to confirm the ticket during my short stay in Hyderabad on Saturday morning. Therefore, it is important for me to know his decision. Please convey to Father that I hope he will join us on this journey.

This afternoon, I am expecting a visitor at home—Gaston Roberge, a Jesuit friend of mine who is passing through to Delhi. We studied together in Canada. Apart from this visit, things will feel rather dull without you and the children.

My love, please take good care of yourself. Is Eric being well-behaved for you, Sunita, and Marc? Kindly let him know that I am asking him to do so. Also, if you need anything when I come to Reddipalem, please let me know. My warmest regards to Father, Mother, and everyone else.

I love you more than ever and send you kisses and hugs filled with tenderness. Big kisses to the children as well. Your Husband, André

August 17, 1975 (7)

My Dearest,

On this Sunday afternoon, I find myself thinking of you and our children. How are you all doing? I sincerely hope you are enjoying your stay, and I urge you not to tire yourself out. It makes me glad to hear that you are keeping your promise to go to bed early, though perhaps you could try to rest even earlier, given your need to rise at dawn.

Please remind Eric that I am asking him to be obedient and kind. If he wishes to be considered a big boy, this is how he should behave. Tell Sunita that I encourage her to smile often. How is Marc’s cold – has it passed? Is he eating well these days?

Kindly convey my regards to father and mother. Are they planning to return with us? Is father considering travelling by plane? How are Lourdhu and Rajah? I am curious—has it become fashionable in Reddipalem to grow a beard? Will I need to adopt this style when I visit?

I was surprised and saddened to learn of Fr. Farina’s passing, such a lonely death. Has anyone been appointed to take his place? Have you managed to visit the convent lately? Please do not forget to inform Sister Regina that if she receives funding from CIDA, it will be no more than Rs. 12,000, and it is strictly allocated for completing the roofing of the dispensary—no other purpose. Do you believe they will use the funds properly? I admit, I remain somewhat distrustful in this regard.

Have the people from Reddipalem come to discuss the water system with you? Please encourage them to be patient and to pray that CIDA will approve the project.

As I mentioned in my previous letter, I visited the furniture maker yesterday. He provided an estimate of Rs. 4,000 for the wall shelves, which seems reasonable compared to the Scandinavian catalogue price of $1,420.50. I have not placed the order yet. After some calculations at home, I decided to propose a price reduction to Rs. 3,900.25. On Monday, I intend to return and make this new offer, as it represents exactly one-third of the U.S. price, which appears to be the furniture maker’s general pricing principle.

I also inquired about the cost of an armchair to match the wall shelves’ secretary, and he quoted Rs. 275—a very good price when compared to the $125 cost for a similar chair in Canada. Lastly, I showed him a photo of a kitchen stool. He could make it for Rs. 180, but I think this is slightly high; ideally, we should pay no more than Rs. 150, which would be one-third of the U.S. price. Nevertheless, the prices overall are very reasonable. I am considering ordering three stools, but I am unsure whether we truly need two or three. What do you think? In Canada, such stools cost US$63 each.

Yesterday, as I wrote, I received a visit from Gaston Roberge, a Jesuit friend from Canada. He arrived at 4h00 PM. and stayed until 10h00 PM, sharing supper with me. It was the first occasion when Vijayan prepared the main meal, and he did an excellent job—perhaps even better than Thomas. Today is his day off.

My thoughts are constantly with you. Please take excellent care of yourself and the children. One last thing: should I take the Golkonda from Hyderabad or Secunderabad? Please let me know.

I love you. Kisses to you and the children. Yours, André

In autumn 1975, the family—now with three children—moved back to Canada, where André was promoted to deputy director of the partnership branch at CIDA.