A Songbird Has Left
Who did not know Madeleine Schuh, the other half of Fred Schuh, the keyboard player? They loved to make music together and were regulars at the events in Chilliwack, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs. Madeleine had cancer and passed away in early August after a very brave and courageous fight with the disease. But her spirit is still with us and whenever we will hear him play we will know that she, too, is there.
It will be tough for Fred. Actually, it was tough for both of them ever since they knew that the prognosis for Madeleine did not leave much hope. And, now the time has come and Fred will have to make music alone. Anyone who lost a wife or husband at a later age knows how deep the sorrow goes. After all, we not only lose our partner, we lose the greatest part of our life. Yes, time does heal and sooner or later it will be good again, but it will never be the same anymore. So, my deepest sympathy goes to Fred Schuh, but I know that he will find solace in his music.
A Surprise Visit
The phone rang and it was Nathali, Chislaine and Evrard de Borchgrave's daughter. She was here with her husband, Gonzagne, staying at a friend's place in Agassiz before going on a tour of British Columbia. We had dinner together and she brought greetings from her mother. Yes, Ghislaine is fine but still misses Agassiz and all her friends. I would not be surprised if she, too, would visit us all one of these days!
My Family Reunion
It is good that memories do linger on because it all went by far too fast! After all, some of us had not seen each other in a long time, twenty or more years in some cases. And yet, when we saw each other, all those years just seemed to fade away. We sat and talked, took pictures and enjoyed each others company and the new partners fit right in. And everybody fell in love with Harrison Hot Springs whether they had been here before or not. We walked, hiked, went in the Hot Pools, took part in yoga classes, went out for dinners and went on a boat trip. And, we all want to do more of this in the future! My sister's friend, Don, a "first timer", summed it up: "What a beautiful community, everything seems to fall into place!"
The Bridge Ceremony
Believe it or not, but this, too, just fell into place! It was the last day of the reunion, in fact most of the relatives and friends left soon after. A beautiful finale! Again, I would like to thank those who suggested my name, those who implemented it and the Village Works Crew who, as Mayor Ken Becotte pointed out, did an excellent job getting the bridge in top shape for the event and made the signs, which look great! Finally, thanks to all who came to witness the event. To see you there was very, very special!