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In my memories of life with Mom and Daddy also emerge peopie like the Dutriels, the Blankenships, Henry and Marion Larose, Margaret and Earl Buckley, Helen and Joe Plunkett (later Helen and Clyde LeBlanc), the Caseys, the Murphys, the Managras, the Roths, the Camors, the Plauches, etc.
Later relatives were added to the list of Mom and Daddy's friends: Uncle Zeif and Aunt Alice, Martie and Myrtle, Andre and Louise, Jane and Pete, Clara and George Seuzeneau, - to mention only a few. Mom and Daddy had nine children, but they managed to keep viable friendships for the whole of their beautiful lives. Mom had copied a saying in a little journal of hers (Mom was an excellent writer, having a real ' flair tor words - in fact she started a book) that said: "What children need in life is a lot of love, some healthy neglect, and to be surrounded by a variety of adults". The second I don't remember at all, even ?healthy" as it may have been, but the first rang out as from a megaphone and the third, rang loud and clear ,too.
MOM AND DADDY'S CHILDHOOD
Mom and Daddy's childhood experiences also seemed to vary. Mom grew up in a family of four - two sisters and one brother; her father died when she was one year old and she went to boarding school when she was five. Mom often said how hard it was to be away from her mother at that age. From her earliest years she was introduced to the intricacies of Catholicism. She attended high Masses at 5:00 o'clock in the morning and she and Nana talked about taking baths in chemises. Daddy grew up in a family of eleven children -rive sisters and five brothers; he not only had two parents, but Daddy s older sisters and brothers took him under their wing. Daddy spoke lovingly of the special attention Aunt Olivia gave him, and of Aunt Lucie and Aunt Corrine - and Uncie Martin was his idol. Aunt Teen and Aunt Elvie were his special sisters, Martie and Andre his special nephews and baby was ms best friend. Daddy's childhood recollections reeked with love from his earliest years. Daddy recalled having a respect (with a little fear mixed in) for his father described so well by Martie in his account of our Grandparents. Daddy also remembered being present at his Fatne'r s death and impressed with the presence of the Church tnere, too. Even Mom and Daddy's religious orientation in the faith was complementary. If Mom knew first hand, gregorian chant and beautiful liturgies; if she could share with me the lives and admiration of the Saints, the Church Fathers, and our Judaic roots, Daddy gave me a felt experience from his own family life, what it means to be loved and valued by God. Daddy's mother was a person of strong faith and Daddy spoke to me of her devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux (I have often wondered if there was any Martin connection from Daddy's father's side of the family). Since my communication with Marguerite I feel so close to Daddys Mother. What a beautiful person and I call upon her
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Blanchards of BSL 041
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