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.
They purchased a house in Gatineau, 20 chemin Des Érables.
Angel traveled to visit her family in India in November 1977.
 |
| Back in Canada, 1976 |
November 6, 1977
Eric wrote with pencil: LA TULIP DE MAMIE. TOTO A LAPE LA. PATEE DE TITI LE. TATA DODU DE. LEA
PETALE. OPALE
Sunita and Marc scribble on the at their
convenience.
Dearest,
As you can see, everyone is writing to you!
How is your trip going? Your call from New
York was much appreciated. I hope you managed to board your Air India flight
without any significant delays, as a long wait might have impacted your
connection in Bombay. Please let me know in your next letter whether you made
your connection in Bombay as planned.
After dropping you off at the airport, Eric
and Marc became quite upset and started to cry on the way back to the car. To
comfort them, we stopped at the airport ice cream parlour and treated the
children to ice cream cones. Eric was especially sad and asked for a really big
one. The drive back to Limbour was uneventful, though Eric cried twice more
asking for you, with Marc following suit. Fortunately, these episodes did not
last long. Throughout the journey, Sunita did her best to console them,
reassuring her brothers that you would be back soon.
We arrived at René and Odette’s place at 6h30
PM. and had our meal there. The children ate well, and by 8h15 PM, we were
home. Mother helped me put the children to bed; Eric slept in Jannine’s small
bed. However, when I finally went to bed around 1h30 AM—having stayed up late
to study for the competition—Eric asked to sleep with me, explaining that “his
bed was not good.”
Your Husband, André
November 7, 1977 (Day 1)
I left for work before the children woke up
at 9h00 AM, as I had an important interview (Editorial not: For a PM 6
promotion) to attend. I am uncertain about how it went, but I remain hopeful
and pray that I was successful. We will not know the outcome until the end of
the month.
Upon returning home in the evening, I found that the children had behaved very well throughout the day with Mamie and Grandpapa.
 |
| Grand-papa et mammie circa 1975 |
Grandpapa spent his time in the garden, racking up all the leaves and removing the dead flowers from the flower boxes. Meanwhile, Mother did some cleaning around the house. The repairman for the dryer arrived and completed the necessary repairs, which cost $67.95. Later, I finished dealing with the dryer myself, ensuring everything was in order.
While I was occupied, Mother gave the
children their baths. Each of them received a piece of candy as a small treat.
Eric completed his dictation, while Marc and Sunita wrote their lines.
Afterwards, everyone went to bed. By 10h30 PM, I also retired for the night, as
did mother and father. This brought an end to the first day.
Please take care of yourself. Be mindful of
what you eat and make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
Enjoy your visit. Everything here will be just fine.
ILKYHY
L’autre Moitié, André
November 8, 1977 (Day 2)
Eric wrote: LE TUTU DE LEA. LA PETIT LULU A LA TUTU. EMILE A LA MOTO
DE MIMIM. MA PETITE AMIE EST MALADE. DO
Sunita and Marc wrote with pencil, just
some scribblings.
Dearest,
This week is dedicated to revision for Eric
at school. There are no new lessons for him to learn, as it marks the end of
the first quarter. On Thursday and Friday, there will be no classes—Thursday is
a holiday, and Friday is a pedagogical day.
Work continues as usual, filled with
meetings and the usual distractions.
Earlier today, mother experienced quite a
scare involving Marc. In the afternoon, after Sunita had woken up, mother went
to check if Marc was still sleeping. She could not find him anywhere in the
house, despite searching and calling out for him. Fearing that Marc may have
gone outside without clothes—especially since it was cold and raining—mother
started to become very worried. Thankfully, Sunita eventually found Marc
sleeping deeply under our bed on the carpet. It turned out to be a good-natured
joke in the end.
Upon my return from work, mother and father
informed me that they would prefer not to travel to Montreal for the weekend.
They explained that there was nothing for them to do there, and that the trip
would be too tiring. They said that if the trip was only for my sake, it would
be better to stay home. As a result, we have decided to remain at home for the
weekend, which is much more convenient.
Throughout the day, father kept himself
busy. He oiled all the door hinges and measured both the basement and the
flower boxes to determine the exact amount of wood needed to finish the
basement and cover the soil of the flower boxes. I plan to order the wood
tomorrow, hoping that we can work together in the basement over the weekend. In
the afternoon, Odette visited Mother. Everything is fine.
The children are well and send their love.
They ask you to take care of yourself. Both yesterday and tonight, during
prayers, they especially prayed for you to have a pleasant trip. ILYKYHY.
I received a phone call from a friend of
the new couple who rented apartment #2 at Radisson. This person is interested
in purchasing the house. I mentioned the price of $62,000 and told him to come
by after your return in December if he is serious.
How are father and mother, and all the family?
Please write soon.
Your Husband, André
November 9, 1977 (Day 3)
Eric wrote: LAMME TOMATO AMI OTE TULIPE
ETOLE OPALE. TAPE LILI PILULE
TUTU. PETITE PATE. PATATE EPI. PAPE LAPE PILE MOTO
Sunita and Marc scribbled with pencil with
the help of André
Dearest,
I hope this letter finds you well. How are
you and the rest of the family? I am thinking of Marreddy, Mary, and their
children, as well as Father, Mother, Rajah, Lourdhu, Jethrutha, Anthonamma, and
their children. I hope everyone is in good health. How is the weather in India?
Here, it has been raining, but despite the rain, it remains quite warm for this
time of year.
The children are doing well, and mother is
taking excellent care of them. There have been no issues, and everything is
running smoothly. father continues to work very hard around the house. Today,
he cut all the wood in the drum outside in the backyard. Additionally, he
crafted covers for the flower boxes at the base of the four lamps located at
the entrance. He also built a small shelter for the rose bush and covered it
with dried leaves to protect it from the cold weather.
This afternoon, I took the car to work
because I intended to purchase more wood during my lunch hour. The wood is
necessary to finish the basement and to cover the flower boxes. I placed the
order, and it cost $229. The delivery is scheduled for tomorrow, which means I
will be able to work together with Father over the long weekend.
There has been a slight change in our
weekend programme. Mother will be travelling to Montreal with Odette and René,
who need to go to Montreal as well. She will leave on Saturday morning and
return on Sunday. father has decided not to go and will remain here.
At 9h00 PM this evening, I attended a short
meeting convened by the church's social committee to plan for the upcoming
Feast of Levis (Editorial note: parish priest). The meeting concluded at 9h30 PM.
Please look after yourself. Remember to eat
well but be cautious with the water. Ensure you get enough rest. ILYKYHY.
With love, André
 |
| Éric, Sunita, Marc |
November 10, 1977 (Day 4)
Éric wrote: LULI DODO PIPE TATA MEME. LULU MEME TATA MIMIM. LULI DO PIPE TATA
MEMA. LULI DO PIPE TATA MEME.
Maman’s message
to Angel:
Chère Angel,
Tâche de profiter
de tes vacances le plus possible, nous te manquons beaucoup. Mais, nous sommes
raisonnables ; on va faire en sorte que tout se passe très bien. Grand-papa va
bien. Il aime beaucoup les petits, André et nous, nous nous arrangeons très
bien. No problem! Tu vas trouver que la
page sur laquelle j’écris est collée dans le bas ; c’est que les enfants
avaient les mains collantes ; car, après le souper, régulièrement, ils mangent
leurs bonbons. Les trois mangent très
bien ; dorment très bien ; sont
bien sages. Ne soit pas inquiète, Mes respects à toute ta parenté. Grand-papa
et moi t’embrassons.
Grand Papa et Mammie
Gingras.
À bientôt.
My darling,
How are you? I sincerely hope you are well,
as is your entire family—our family. Today at work, I was very busy finalizing
the last details of a consultation we will organize with Canadian
non-governmental organizations. This meeting will take place on November 22 and
23.
At home, everything is going well. The
children are very well-behaved, they eat everything, and they obey perfectly.
Éric is sleeping with me because he didn't like Jannine's bed. He didn't go to
school today since it was a professional development day. This morning, he went
with Mom and Odette to Simpson Sears, while Dad looked after Sunita and Marc.
There was a sale on large dresses and Mom wanted to buy something for
Christmas.
The wood for the basement arrived: Dad has
already set up the boards for the flower boxes. That was a good thing, because
it's been raining heavily.
I hope you are making the most of your
stay. I would like to be with you and the children, but it's our fate, as you
wrote in the note you slipped into my briefcase before you left. But everything
is fine, and in reality, things could always be worse.
ILYKYHY! Your husband, André
November 11, 1977 (Day 5)
Eric wrote:
DODU/LAPE/ TAPE /MAMIE/ PIPE/. DODU/LAPE/TAPE/MAMMIE/PIPE.DODU/LAPE/TAPE/MAMIE/PIPE.DODU/LAPE/\\/
TAPE/MAMIE/PIPE.
Sunita and Marc wrote in their own way.
Dearest,
I hope this letter finds you in good health
and spirits. Are you getting enough rest? Please make sure to take care of
yourself and sleep well.
Today was Remembrance Day, so there was no
work. It is also Sunita’s birthday. The children woke up around 7h30 AM. It was
another rainy day. After helping the children get dressed and have breakfast, I
went outside, where father had already begun dismantling the swing. I joined
him, and together we stored it in the small shed. Afterwards, I took out the
snow blower, checked it over, changed the oil and gasoline, got it started, and
then put it under the balcony. We are now ready for winter.
I also cleaned the grass mower and stored
it in the furnace room. All the bicycles are now in the small shed as well.
Meanwhile, Mother cleaned the house and did some laundry.
At noon, after lunch, I went out to buy
groceries and a few items needed for work in the basement, spending around $65.
In the afternoon, I worked in the basement with Father, and together we
finished the door of the furnace room. Mother cooked a delicious meal: ham,
pork roast, cake, and Jello.
After supper, I gave the children their
baths. By 8h30 PM, they were in bed.
The children are doing well. Eric, however,
is counting the days and, although I know he feels lonesome, he is handling it
bravely, just like his father.
I love you endlessly. Please take care of
yourself.
Sending you infinite kisses. André
November 12, 1977 (Day 6)
Eric wrote: LAME OPALE, MOMIE, PATEE, DODU,
LAME OPALE MOMIE PATEE. DODULAME OPALE
MOMIE PATEE DODU.LAME OPALE MOMIE PATEE DODU
Sunita and Marc scribbled.
Dearest,
I hope this letter finds you well and that
you are taking good care of yourself. I am also wondering if father and mother
are in good health.
This morning, Odette came to pick up
mother, who will be returning tomorrow. The children were very well-behaved
today, which made the day much easier for everyone. Father and I spent a good
portion of the day working together in the basement, where we managed to finish
building two more doors.
When we woke up in the morning, we were
greeted by a blanket of white outside—the first snowfall of the year. It seems
that our preparations for winter yesterday were just in time.
As for Eric, I have not been giving him any
dictation exercises. Instead, I am focusing on helping him improve his
penmanship, as his calligraphy was not particularly strong. Since the second
quarter of the school year, when he will start learning new things, does not
begin until next week, I thought it would be best to devote this time to
working on his writing skills.
The weather has turned cold. After supper,
we all went outside with father to get some fresh air. Naturally, the children
played in the snow, making snowballs. They also asked me to make the ice rink
so they could skate, but I told them they would have to wait a little while
longer.
Now, I am watching the hockey game on
television with father. Once the game is over, I will head to bed with thoughts
of you on my mind.
I keep you and hold you in my heart. Cheer
up and enjoy your time with the family.
Your Husband, André
November 13, 1977 (Day 7)
Eric wrote: LA
PIPE A MAMIE ET A TOTO. LA PIPE A MAMIE ET A TOTO. LA PIPE A MAMIE ET A TOTO. LA
PIPE A MAMIE ET A TOTO.
Sunita and Marc scribbled as usual.
Dearest,
It has already been a week since you left.
Time seems to pass quickly, yet at moments it drags on, depending on where you
are and your state of mind—there is a sense of ambivalence. I imagine you must
feel the same: when you look at the family in India, time moves swiftly, but
when you think about us, it feels much slower.
Today was sunny but a bit cold. We woke up
around 7h30 AM, and by 8h15 AM, we had finished breakfast, cleaned the house,
and got the children ready for Mass. We attended Mass at 9h30 AM, where I did
the second reading and helped with the singing. The children behaved
well—Sunita sat with Grand-papa behind us while I looked after Eric and Marc.
After Mass, father walked home with the
children, and I stayed at the church to practise Gregorian chant for the
following Sunday. Once I finished, I went to the library to return the
children's books; I had to pay a $0.25 late fee for the delay. When I returned
home, the children played in the basement while Father and I read the
newspapers.
For lunch, I prepared eggs and bacon for
the children. Afterwards, Eric went outside to play with Catherine and visited
the Beauregards’ home. Father and I spent some time finishing the framing for
the three doors we had built in the previous days—very satisfying work. After
Marc and Sunita had their nap, they went outside for a while. Around 4h30 PM,
they returned from Jeannine’s place (Editorial note: a neighbor) and watched
television until supper.
For supper, we had cold pork, potatoes,
carrots, and cake that mother had baked before leaving for Montreal. We hurried
a bit afterwards because Eric was eager to go skating at the arena. He got
ready, and while Father stayed with Sunita and Marc, I drove Eric to the
skating rink. Unfortunately, it was closed due to a strike by the staff, so we
returned home around 7h30 PM.
Mother came back with the Touzins. As
usual, René checked our work in the basement and pointed out some defects. The
children went to bed around 8h00 PM.
A little later in the evening, we received
a phone call from Odette. After returning home from bringing mother to Limbour,
they had discovered that a thief had broken in and taken all her jewellery. The
police had come, and at least part of the loss will be covered by insurance.
And you, how are you? Please take care of
yourself—do not get sick or overtired. Eric finds your absence difficult, and
so do I. Please look after yourself. I love you, know you, and hold you
infinitely in my heart.
Yours truly,
André
P.S. I have placed the letters from the past three days in the same envelope. There was no mail during the long weekend, and a letter mailed to you on Saturday would have arrived the same day as one sent Monday morning, which is when I am sending this.
November 14, 1977 (Week 2, day 1)
Eric wrote: RA, RE, RI, RE, RO, RA, RU. RUADE, LUMIERE, MARIE RUE. ROME MAMA A RI
TU.
Sunita and Marc: as usual.
As is often the case, Monday proved to be a
particularly busy day for me. Despite the hectic pace, I managed to handle
everything that came my way. I hope you are doing well, and that everyone back
in India is also in good health. Today, I heard on the news that many people in
Delhi have lost their lives due to flooding, and there seems to be a strange
illness spreading in the area.
Eric continues to make excellent progress.
He has learned to write the letter “R” very well. In fact, he managed to read
all of page 19 in his reading book, even though he was only required to read
three lines. His counting skills have also improved, and he can now count to
thirty-nine.
Marc and Sunita are doing well overall.
Sunita has a bit of a cough, but I am giving her syrup to help with it.
During the day, Father works diligently in
the basement. He has nearly completed the last two doors—one for the bathroom
and another for the room near the staircase. This evening, I assisted him in
fixing the edges, and we were pleased with the results. Mother is also keeping
busy; she sewed zippers onto the cushions for the baboo chair and has begun
making slippers for the children tonight.
I keep encouraging father and mother to
rest, but so far, I have not been very successful in persuading them. For now,
I will end my letter.
Please take care of yourself and give my
best regards to everyone. I miss you deeply and look forward to the time when
we can be together again.
With all my love, IKY. HY! André
November 16, 1977 (Week 2, day 2)
Eric wrote: LA,
RUE DE REMI E REPARE.PAPA REPARERA LA TIRELIRE DE LAMI DE PETIT RITA. MARIE A LA
MALADIE DE REMI ET LA PARURE DE LEA.
Marc and Sunita also wrote in their own way
with their hands like every other day.
Dearest,
I hope this letter finds you well. How are
you doing? How is everyone on your end? I am eagerly waiting to receive a
letter from you and hope to hear from you very soon. I was wondering if you
have been writing, as your letters mean a great deal to us.
The big news today is all about Eric’s
latest bulletin. It is truly excellent in every respect—his reading, writing,
counting, and psychomotor skills have all been assessed as outstanding.
Additionally, it was noted that Eric is very personal, hardworking, and
extremely attentive. Naturally, Eric was very proud of his achievements, and I
assured him that I would share this good news with you.
Both Marc and Sunita are well and have been
behaving obediently. Sunita has been a great help to grandfather in the
basement, assisting him with various tasks.
Father and mother are also in good health
and spirits. Everything here is under control, so there is no need for you to
worry. Your primary focus should be to enjoy your time away and to take good
care of yourself.
ILY, KU, HY. Yours, André
November 17, 1977 (Week 2, day 3)
Eric wrote: MAMAN
A TAPE TITI, PAPA A LA MOTO DE LEA, PAPA A TAPE TOTO ET TITI LAPIPE DE PAPA ET
LA PIPE DE MAMAN ET LA PIPA DE LEO.
Sunita and Marc: Same!
Dearest,
I hope this message finds you in good
health and spirits. How are you doing? How is everyone on your end? I trust
that you are well both in body and mind.
Things here are going smoothly. The
children are well and have been behaving as usual. Father and mother are also
doing well, with father continuing to work diligently in the basement.
Other than that, there is not much
excitement to report now. We are all eagerly counting down the days until your
return, though I imagine that for you, the passing of time feels quite
different and perhaps more challenging. Life, as always, is full of paradoxes.
I will end my note here. You may have
noticed that I did not dictate anything to Eric this time. Instead, I
encouraged him to write to you personally, and you can read his letter above.
IKY, HY, LU. Yours, André
November 18, 1977 (Week 2, day 4)
Eric wrote: MAMAN
A LA TULIPE DE ROMEO ET LA PIPI DE REMI. TOTO A MORDU TITI LE DODU MARIE A MILE
TUTU DE LA PETITE LEA.
Sunita and Marc: Same!
Dearest,
It is Friday and today has been a
particularly long day at the office. I have been putting the final touches on
preparations for the consultation we will be holding with the NGOs next week.
It is a significant undertaking, and I am doing my best to ensure everything is
in order.
At home, everything is well. The children
continue to eat well, and each day they are enjoying their candy—a little treat
that is steadily depleting the jar. Their contentment brings me comfort while
you are away.
I have been wondering if Mary is still with
you during your visit. Has she perhaps lent you any jewellery to wear? I am
also thinking of father and mother, hoping they are doing well. I am curious to
know if Marreddy liked the knife—please let me know when you can.
So far, I have not received any letters
from you, but I am hopeful that something will arrive next week. The
anticipation of your words makes the days feel longer.
I sincerely hope your trip was pleasant and
that you can enjoy each moment to the fullest. Life moves slowly here in your
absence, and I am looking forward to your safe and healthy return. Please
remember to take care of yourself and get enough rest while you are away.
IKY, HY, LY infinitely, Yours, André
November 19, 1977 (Week 2, day
5)
Eric wrote: MADAME
DORE A DEMOLI LA MOTO DE ROMEO REMI DIRA ELLE A LA MALADIE DU MARI DE MADAME
DORE IT A LA TULIP.
Sunita and Marc : same!
Dearest,
It has now been two weeks since you left,
and I wanted to share how things have been going at home. Today is Saturday,
and the morning began with a trip to purchase groceries.
Afterward, I accompanied Father to several
stores to acquire additional materials for the basement renovation. I am
pleased to report that all the doors have been installed, and the main room is
very nearly finished.
On the family front, Eric had one of his
teeth pulled by father, and another will likely be removed before you return
home. Tonight, I participated in the commentary at Mass, where I prayed for you
and for our family in India. The children send their greetings and wish to
remind you to be careful and to look after yourself during your travels. Father
and mother also send their warm regards.
ILY, KY, HY! Yours, André
November 24, 1977 (Week 3, day 3)
Dearest and Love,
How are you? How is everybody? I received
your first letter. I read it to the children. They were happy. Tuesday, I received
3 more. Hope you are receiving mine.
This week is a very busy week for me. A big
consultation with around 70 NGOs, from all over Canada to which I am chairman
and every night meetings for one thing or the other.
The big news here is that Sunday night father
received a phone call from Robert telling him that younger sister had just died
burned alive in the house. Monday
therefore Father took the buss for Montral alone. Odette went to drive him to
the bus station... The funerals are taking place today and he will immediately
take the bus back for Ottawa. Odette is getting him back home.
On this front, everything is fine. The
children are behaving generally well. Eric is coughing – we are giving him syrup.
Jeanine is calling mother regularly. Mrs. Bonicalzi, also (Editorial note:
Neighbours). They are good to us. I will tell more at your return. I miss you
very much, but I understand very well and hope and pray for you to enjoy well
your visit.
The children kiss you, infinite kisses.
Last night, Eric did not write as usual. He wanted but, it was too late. I
therefore told him to go to bed.
IKYLYHY! Yours, André
November 30, 1977 (Week 4, day 2)
Eric wrote: IRA
RARE RIDE TOMA MIRE MAMIE PETITE LULU OPALE PATATE. TULIPE REPARE PETALE MAMIE
TIRELIRE REMI RI PARURE LA PIPE DE PAPA
Dearest,
Today has been another quiet day, and I am
thinking of you. I sincerely hope that you are enjoying your trip and that our
family is cherishing your company. Everything here is going well. The children
have been behaving themselves and are not causing much trouble for mother and
father.
Mother has been spending her time making
slippers for the children, while father has been working hard in the basement.
Today, he repaired the baseboards and attended to the frames of the windows and
the outdoor door.
Eric went to the museum today and had the
chance to visit both a police officer and a firearm station. He returned home,
but unfortunately, he lost his tuque somewhere along the way. Sunita’s cough is
nearly gone, which is a relief. Marc, on his part, has become a very good
friend to grandfather.
Mother received an invitation from Mrs.
Bonicalzi to attend a supper tomorrow night with the people of "Age
d’or." She plans to go, and before the supper, she will attend Mass at 5h30
PM, which will be followed by the meal.
Please take good care of yourself and keep
smiling.
Remember, God loves us. ILY.KY.HY.
Yours, André