January 1, 2025
Sign of Infinity
A symbol that speaks to both of us and says it all
Nive Na Prema
A&A
André
56 years of love
January 2024
January 1, 2024
My love Song for this year
The chorus melody of a well-known French folk song
À la Claire Fontaine
………
Il y’a longtemps, que je t’aime
Jamais, je ne t’oublierai
Cinquant’ cinq ans que je t’aime
Jamais, je ne t’oublierai
Fifty-five years, que je t’aime,
Never je ne cesserai
A long, long time que je t’aime
Never, je ne t’oublierai.
Cinquant’ cinq ans que l’on s’aime
Pour sûr , que ça va durer
Fifty-five years , que l’on s’aime
For sûre, que ça va durer
André LOVES Angel
55 years
January 2023
January 1, 2023
When we get to the end of our life,
Together.
The houses we lived in,
The cars we drove,
The things we possess
Won’t matter.
What will matter is that
I had you to love
and
You had me
Both, sharing this unconditional love with others.
André
54 years of everlasting Love
It is this kind of LOVE that we are trying to live with and show to one another from Jan 1, 1969, till now for 54 years. It is this kind of Love that is bringing meaning to our Union and giving us Peace and Happiness. Let us continue in mastering it.
Love forever
Nive Na Prema, Jeevam, Sarvam.
January 2022
January 1, 2022
You are “Unique” You are special! You are beautiful and smart! And I love you more than ever after 53 years. Advancing in age, is not always easy.
2021, was especially difficult for me: Bones, flesh and mind sometime falter with impacts on others; particularly, on you that I love so much. This year, I shall be inspired by 3 words: PLEASE, THANKS AND SORRY. (Pope Francis’ letter, December 26, 2021).
I shall not be demanding but shall accept with grace your care and attention; I shall always be grateful for your loving support; and when avertedly I have hurt you, I shall not hesitate to tell you how sorry I am. May 2022 be the best year of our life together!
NIVE NA PREMA, JEEVAM, SARVAM
Your loving husband and soulmate,
André
January 2021
January 1, 2021
50 years ago
For us, 1971 had been a very special year. Our religious marriage, Eric’s birth. That year, I made to myself a solemn vow, one of the 2 promises that, until now, I have kept secret.
Today, I am revealing one of them to you.
We are both at the General hospital of Ottawa. April 17th, you were giving birth to Eric. It was so painful and taking so long. Many hours of lengthy contractions. Finally, our old doctor told us that you had to go through a cesarian.
For me extreme fear and anxiety! For you, was it insouciance, fatalism, bravery, immense trust in our mutual love? One thing is sure. The attendants brought you in chirurgical block. You had a smile on your face.
I went for a long walk. It was night. Dalhousie street was deserted, cold, wet. Alone, I cried all the tears of my body, and I made an oath.
ALWAYS, ETERNALLY, I WILL SUPPORT, CHERISH AND LOVE YOU WITH ALL THE FIBRES OF MY BEING.
In 2021, my promise is still very much alive... being stronger.
I love you so much!
André
January 2020
January 1, 2020
50 years + 1
1970, 50 years ago, was for both of us a pivotal year
That year, May 30th, you left the comfort of your country and of your family to share your destiny with me, in the far away Canada.
That year, June 23rd, for the whole world to know, in a civil wedding, we became husband and wife.
Then, you were young, brave, resourceful, determined, tenacious, trusting, optimistic, resilient, confident, caring
and I was very much in Love with you.
In 2020, 50+1 years after, have my feelings for you the same?
NO!
They have increased immensely.
Now, I love you more.
INFINITELY
Long time ago, at the beginning of our relationship, you introduced me to the mathematical symbol. This symbol remains an expression of the depth of my love for you.
Nive na PremAM!
André
January 2019
January 1, 2019
50 years of Love
Darling wife,
Thank you for your love. Thank you for loving me
All my life, I craved for LOVE. It had been the search of my life. Then, you came and I found you....
Love pushed us in the arms of one another.
A mystery!
Our love cannot be understood with the mind alone, but with our whole being.
We can hear the beats of our hearts and the beats of one on the other. It works and will work forever.
It is marvelous! It is wonderful!
My love is immense and infinite as deep as the brown of your eyes and as their intensity.
I love you. Angel beloved!
After 50 years, my love has not changed. It is still growing....
André
(The above is an extract of my 57th letters mailed to you January 9th for the anniversary of our: Virtual and unique wedding, January 1st, 1969.)
January 2018
January 1, 2018
After almost half a century, we immensely care for one another and continue to go looking in the “Same direction.”
I know that 2018 will not be easy for both of us. I know also that my “infinite” love for you will always prevail.
Nive Na Premam! André
January 2016
January 1, 2016
Another 365 days to walk the walk together.
It will be our 47th year of happiness.
As a sign of my indefectible love to you, this year, I will be very happy to be at your side, in India, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bala Vikasa.
Nive Na PremAM!
André
January 2015
January 1, 2015
We made it... Standing up together!
My love for you is infinite
46 YEARS OF PROFOUND HAPPINESS
“Le vrai amour n’est pas de se regarder l’un, l’autre
C’est regarder ensemble dans la même direction”
This is what we did all our life until now
and
Will continue to do whatever happens in the future
André
January 2014
January 1, 2014
Happy 45th Wedding Anniversary
Together Forever
With all my LOVE
Yours, André
January 2012
January 1, 2012
43 years of deep happiness.
This year, a little something out of the usual...
No Jewellery! No diamond!
But 3 classical Indian Films: The Apu Trilogy from Satyajit Ray. It cAe from Korea especially for you to enjoy!
I love you more than ever!
André
Sonnet for Bala
Quand vous serez bien vieille, au soir, à la chandelle,
Assise auprès du feu dévidant et filant,
Direz, chantant mes vers, en vous émerveillant :
“André” me célébrait du temps que j’étais belle.
…………
Regrettant mon amour et votre fier “certain”
Vivez si m’en croyez, n’attendez a demain :
Cueillez dès aujourd’hui les roses de la vie
Pierre de Ronsard,
Sonnets pour Hélène, 1578.
February 2010
February 4, 2010
February 4
Despite the great distances of land and water separating us,
may each moment bring us closer.
Happy Birthday!
I LOVE YOU!
André
January 2009
January 1, 2009
40th Wedding Anniversary
What about if sometime this year we hand in hand, backpacking, we explore the pyramid of Ibi numbered 40 in 1842 by the Egyptologist Karl Richard Lepsius? You select the time and buy the tickets; I take care of the rest of the trip. This trip, would a nice way to start another phase of our life.
Life is mysterious!
Who could have known that I am loving you more now, than I loved you the first time I met you in Manila!
Who could have known that after so many years of profound happiness together realizing our dreams, there is still place for more joy and more projects in front of us!
Your André
October 1998
October 3, 1998
30th patron feast anniversary – both together
“Dearest Angel,
Today, I love you thirty times more than the first day…
The first day, I loved you infinitely…
André
Messages from André to Angel (1998 to 2025)
The following are messages and wishes from André to Angel (1998-2025).
Over the years, André frequently
corresponded with Angel, particularly on special occasions such as feast days
(October 3rd), birthdays (February 4th), and their wedding anniversaries
(January 1st).
Of their three marriages, the exchange of personal vows on January 1, 1969—without witnesses—held the deepest importance for both. The other ceremonies were a civil marriage (Appendix 2) on June 23, 1970, and a religious ceremony on March 7, 1971 (Appendix 1).
January 1991
André wrote to Angel when she went to India in January 1991
January 14, 1991
My Love,
I hope you receive this letter, on the day
of your 50th anniversary—what a milestone!
This year, this letter is the only way I
can mark your birthday. We would have loved to celebrate this half-century
together, but fate has decided otherwise.
On the positive side, you are with your family
in India, able to spend long hours with your loved ones. For this, I am truly
happy. I was also very glad to hear your voice over the phone, and to learn
that the situation in Andhra is calm, with less turmoil. Nevertheless, please
take care of yourself.
At home, remember the conversation we had
in the lobby of the Lor Elgin Hotel. Please ask Lourdhu to ensure that the back
exit of your home is always readily accessible. Every good security plan should
provide for multiple exits. This is necessary here because of the fire hazard,
and it applies in other circumstances too, such as in the case of a gang
robbery. Let us put all the odds on our side, without being overly insecure!
The current environment in India and the
world is perhaps one of the main reasons for my behaviour before your departure
for the airport. It was difficult for me to let you go, knowing what is
happening in the world and what could happen. I did not want to discuss it with
you, for fear of worrying you more. I felt compelled to keep everything inside,
but unfortunately, my uneasiness surfaced in the way you know. I am very sorry
for that.
Let us pray that your journey will go smoothly and that you will return safe and healthy.
As the children implied in their letter, I had to organize the work for each of us at home. It was necessary if we wanted you to avoid returning to a dirty house. As you might expect, those who are usually the sloppiest were also the loudest about it: 1) Éric, 2) Marc, 3) Sunita. You will be able to see for yourself whether I have succeeded when you return.
Since Sunday, I have been trying to reach
you through Father Colombo or Bishop Bala (Editorial note: Priest and bishop
from the Warangal diocese). The reason is that Radio Canada is preparing a
broadcast for February 2nd, during the week dedicated to International
Development in Canada. They would like to feature SOPAR and conduct an
interview with you while you are in India. I hope that by the time you read
this letter, this matter is already under control.
I could write much more, but I will stop
here. Please give my love to all the members of the family—to mother, and
especially to your brothers and sister.
Take good care of yourself. Do not work too
hard! Make sure to leave time for rest and relaxation. Come back in good shape.
While you are relaxing, think about how we could spend some free time together
next summer.
I miss you very much. Once more, with all
my heart, I wish you a happy birthday and send you full of warm kisses.
With each passing year, you grow even more
beautiful, like a fine wine.
Nive Na Prema! André
January 1990
André wrote to Angel when she went to India in
January 1990
January 22, 1990
Gatineau
My dear Bala and Angel,
Tonight, the snow continues to fall, and
this year’s winter has proven to be especially harsh. I am truly glad that you
can escape, if only for a short while, from this severe weather. I imagine that
the climate in India must be much more pleasant, so I hope you are able to make
the most of it.
Since your departure, life at home has
settled back into its usual rhythm. Everyone is participating in the household
duties, though there are occasional lapses. I believe that these arrangements
should continue even after your return, with the understanding that you will
also contribute to the workload. We will see how things work out!
Marc has already begun his school year and
is actively involved in basketball games. He seems to be doing well in both
areas. Eric, on the other hand, remains much the same—he agrees when asked to
do something, but often chooses to follow his own inclinations. Today, he
called me at the office to request a book, explaining that he needed it to
finish an essay due by Friday. His passing the French course from last semester
depends on this assignment. I decided not to purchase the book for him, telling
him he must find a solution on his own. This evening, he told me he plans to
visit the CEGEP library tomorrow to borrow the book and complete the essay. We
will see how this unfolds.
Sunita is generally doing well. She
relishes her freedom and spends considerable time watching television. There
are rumours circulating in the house that she has a boyfriend named Philippe.
She asked my permission to visit the Museum of Civilization in Hull with
Philippe and two other friends, which I granted.
On Wednesday, both of our CEGEP students –
Éric and Sunita - will begin their classes—it is about time! I hope they will
perform better than they did in their first semester.
 |
| October 2000 - last day at 20 Chemin des Érables, Gatineau |
Regarding SOPAR, all seems to be
progressing smoothly. The PPP report has already been submitted to CIDA, and
CCIC has approved the latest submission sent to them, as I mentioned to you
over the phone. The second issue of PARTAGE (Editorial note: SOPAR Newsletter)
is nearly ready; it should be packed and mailed before Andrée’s departure (Editorial note: SOPAR program officer). Edmonde has scheduled
a brief board meeting to welcome the bishop, who will be visiting St. Alexandre
from February tenth. We will meet him on the evening of the tenth. For
additional updates, Andrée will provide you with the latest news.
As for your time in India, I was somewhat
disappointed to hear over the phone that the lot purchased for us by Father
Colombo is not ideal. Is it possible to secure a better one before your return?
What is the status of the plans and blueprint for the house? Have you found an
architect? When will construction begin? I understand we must follow the pace
of life in India, but time is short. Nevertheless, please proceed as you think
best.
I hope you found the family well, that
mother is aging gracefully and in good health, and that everyone else is also
doing fine. I send my warm regards to each one—though I am not mentioning names,
as I would not want to leave anyone out. How have Rajah and Showreddy adjusted
upon re-entering their own society after their stay in Canada? I suspect their
transition was made easier following the cold December they experienced here.
How is your SOPAR work progressing? You
must already have heard many concerns and received numerous delegations.
Remember—see, listen, note, and question, but do not commit yourself
immediately. In our profession, this approach is wise. Make sure to also take
time to rest and reflect at leisure, as this is essential for maintaining our
well-being.
On February fourth, you will not be with me
and the children—it is our fate. I will be especially close to you in spirit
that day, and I am happy for you, knowing how much you enjoy spending time with
your family in India.
As for us, and for myself, we are eagerly
awaiting your return. I love you with infinite yearning. I send you my embrace
and tender kisses.
Your Husband, André
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