Sunday, July 16, 2023
The last time I saw Paul was at his sister Amelia’s funeral. He turned to me and said “don’t forget to remind your mother that I’m older than she is!”
Though years had passed since we last saw each other, he spoke with the same familiar gentle laugh, teasing voice and twinkle in his eye.
Back home my Mom also laughed when she heard his message. It brought back a flood of memories, summers spent ‘on the farm’ at Auntie Annie’s. Though he was the ‘baby’ of the family, Paul was always thrilled when my mother Helen arrived from Montreal. She was the Canadian cousin (and honorary sister) who was three months younger!
Memories are what keep our departed loved ones alive in our hearts. And so I end this note with a sentiment that is used at Ukrainian funerals, Vichnaya Pamyat. Eternal Memory.
With love from Montreal. Fran (Lalla) and Paul
