Bonne St-Jean Baptiste!!

What does this weekend represent to us Canadians? Hmm, well last night I watched on APTN, National Aboriginal Day and the talent was outstanding! So many different genres of music! It was moving, touching and entertaining and as a festival should be…fun! What a great day to celebrate Summer Solstice and the fact that it was my mother’s birthday as well made it all worthy of such celebrations.

This weekend represents for the end of the school year for students up to and including High School in Quebec…other provinces across Canada may be a few more days still.

My son, a high school teacher, can now look forward to some R & R and much needed rest. Why? Because teaching is NOT easy plus he travels so much to and from school…crossing 2 bridges one way only!

What else is happening this weekend…our National holiday for people residing in Quebec…June 24^th, is Saint Jean Baptiste Day…La fête nationale du Québec .

It is a celebration of Francophone identity, culture and history. On this day, it is customary to wish Quebecois and French Canadian people, Bonne St-Jean!

In many towns and cities across Quebec, St-Jean Baptiste Day used to be celebrated with parades and floats. I remember in my small town the same boy for 3 years was on the float posing as St Jean Baptiste with his blonde curly locks. There was dancing in the streets, a fair for everyone to have fun and ended the evening with a huge bonfire and then fireworks…I loved St-Jean Baptiste Day as a child.

It is still widely celebrated and there are huge concerts with celebrities in major cities in the province who perform. A nice occasion to sit by a bonfire with friends and family, play guitar and sing along…it is connecting with folks…period. I used to love to sit by the bonfire at our camping when the children were younger and we gather to look with awe at the fireworks a few campers set off near the pier by the lake.

The traditional bonfire celebrating Summer Solstice (Midsummer) on June 23^rd in various countries around the world, continues in Quebec joined with the celebration of St. Jean Baptiste.

I find it to be a grand family celebration especially…who does not like a fair type day? Who does not like fireworks? It is a time to promote la Joie de Vive we, Quebecois are known for…live and let live.

Bonne St- Jean!

Rock a bye baby…

Finally I get to see my friend and her squeaky new born baby!! Yay!! I can`t wait to smell her newborn baby scent. I wish they could find cologne to mimic that awesome smell. Just like the smell of leather…when you walk into Danier`s the smell of leather just fills your nostrils and it`s such pleasant and raw, sensual smell. Oh my! Now how did I get on the subject of scents? Oh yeah…babies!!!

How I remember well my first born! When coming home from hospital, my son`s dad was getting things out of the car and I had laid my son on our double bed. He looked so darn tiny. I had undressed him and just stared at this tiny precious human being who was so dependent on me…on us. The only thing he could do on his own was breath, pee, pooh, fart, burp and cry. Well the burping needed a little help too. But still! I was just so overwhelmed with the sight of this infant and wondered if I would manage.

Speaking with my friend on the phone tonight made those entire memories flood back to me. She has lots more friends with young children to tell her what to do and not do though. Hopefully she will limit the “free advice” to a few that are consistent with her beliefs. It can get so daunting and annoying too. It is a time that moms are vulnerable to criticism and advice. Advice giving can also destabilize a new mom. She needs to build her confidence not be told what to do every second of the day! She needs to be empowered and a little reasonable support and suggestion here and there is fine…but please!! Women, don`t you remember how you felt when tom, dick and harry told you what to do and not to do? Most advice contradicted with others and it got so confusing you just wanted to scream!! More often than not, you just curled up and cried out of helplessness and discouragement.

I had a few close friends who had young children and family of course. And I limited regular phone calls to ONLY 3 moms that had similar values and parenting styles that I admired and wanted as a model. I was nursing my son and back in 1978 it was just returning as the “norm”. So many family members kept questioning me, “Why do you bother to do that? You are going to be so tired and what if your milk does not come in? What if you don`t have enough milk? And what about when you get back to work in 3 months?” In those days maternity leave was maximum 4 months paid by unemployment insurance.

Well, I will never forget the support I got from those 3 moms and I joined a support group similar to La Leche League at our local CLSC and eventually volunteered and offered support in turn too. It replaced the old-fashioned huge extended families. Many moms supporting other moms with breastfeeding, child development, nutrition, parenting and so much more. It was a place you could feel “normal” for feeling overwhelmed at times being a stay at home mom. It`s the toughest and most important job you will ever do in a lifetime…raising a child.

Boy oh boy, they sure don`t tell us that at sex Ed classes and not even during prenatal classes! The little infant does not EVEN come back home from hospital with a workbook with instructions adapted to “this particular model”. No Sireee, once you get home…you are on your own!

So it is a good thing you can scrounge up some supportive friends, some family and professional resources too.

I remember when my dearest friend, Annette came to visit me when I first came out of hospital. I was so tired. I could hardly sit down for obvious reasons and I had not got the hang of the nursing quite yet…I was so awkward, weak and sore. I bet I looked like a rag for sure. Well, she didn`t stay long and 4 days later, she arrives at 11a.m. with a huge container in her arms. The container was 2 full course warm meals for our lunch. I was so surprised and pleased as well. After we ate, I fed my son and then she asked if she could burp him and put him to sleep while I had a nap. Oh boy!! Did I run to bed quickly. I trusted her with my baby…she was his godmother after all! Normally I was a little tigress with my baby but not with Annette.

I could hear him whimpering and then crying. Oh dear, I thought, he must have gas…poor thing. But she sang to him and rocked him and he finally went to sleep. She nestled him in the crib next to my bed and shut the door.

For 2 hours she dusted, mopped the floor, vacuumed the entire house, washed my kitchen, did the dishes and washed my bathroom from A to Z. And when Annette cleans up…you DO notice!! I was so touched when I woke up and saw all that she did. I will never, to this day, ever forget her selfless act that day. I guess that`s why we have been friends for so many years. My son is now 34 and I still remember that day like it was yesterday.

I hope I can be of service to my dear friend tomorrow too and rock that beautiful infant so her mama can rest a bit. This is the beginning of a new chapter in her life, and in mine as well. Thank you, Marie-Hélène for being you and having Emma.

Emma, where are you?

Let me tell you a little story that comes from the heart of your Maman and Papa.

Once upon a long long time ago there was a princess in Canada and far far far away there was a prince in St- Lucia. Well, the prince searched and searched for his princess on his itsy bitsy isle in the Caribbean. So off he sailed to the colder side of the world…even the cold was worth it if he could find his forever loving princess.

Hey, wait! I already blogged about this! Okay so

Emma, if you want to learn more about life BEFORE you were fabricated (conceived…gross for a daughter to even fathom)

Check out blog: http://wp.me/p2RsU0-9z and have Maman or Papa read it to you.

Emma, Emma, what are you doing? You are anxiously awaited by so many people but especially by your Maman and Papa. Maman has loved you before even feeling your little jumps and twirls in her tummy.

Yep, and Papa has been singing and talking to you so you could recognize his voice when you finally come into this world.

Maman has felt you knocking on that door to come out many many times and it appears it is either stuck or you have decided to stay in the warmth and safety of this home…Maman’s womb…well, I can’t say that I blame you. You get fed with no effort on your part, you get to float in the warm waters of this home and you are safe…but there isn’t that much room, sweetie…so time to meet your parents now.

You have Grand-Maman and Grand-Papa Savard who are so anxious to hold you too and take you for stroller rides.

You have an auntie that can't wait to hold you in her arms. — You have an auntie that can’t wait to hold you in her arms.

Maman has a soul sister who will be your auntie…boy oh boy, how she can’t wait to hold you in her arms!

You have sooooooo many aunties, uncles, cousins and close friends who will also become your aunties and uncles just counting the days until they hear the news of Emma’s arrival.

Oh, and even Grand-Maman Camille who could not travel from the isle of St-Lucia to see your maman and papa make their vows of love…she has moved mountains (well small ones because they can be just so big on that teeny isle)…and she too will be here to see you when you enter this world.

So, Emma, it is time to leave that little bubble and enter this world of love, affection and compassion. Trust me, Emma, you will, by no means, lack love and attention…dearest, sweetest Emma…Maman t’attend hâtivement…tes parents attendent avec enthousiasmes afin de te chanter des petites berceuses…et des tendres refrains d’amour. Parce-que tu sais, Emma, tes parents sont des grand amateurs et amants de musique. Tant qu’il y a de la musique et de l’amour dans ta vie, chère Emma, il y a de la vie éternelle remplis de bonheur car le cœur chante aussi…ton cœur chantonnera au premier soupire dans ce monde.

Welcome – Bienvenue to this wonderful life, Emma!

Having you here will make this world so much better:)

© Cheryl-Lynn Roberts, June 5, 2013

Love you Mom:)

Mother’s Day is tomorrow. I was out shopping today and I could not believe how much traffic there was, how much the malls were packed with cars and I thought to myself, “Wow, there sure a lots and lots of people who sure do love their mom!” I mean, the traffic, and the stores were busy as if it was Christmas…really!!

It warmed my heart to see how busy business was on this weekend. I was spending the evening with friends who were have a Mother’s Day dinner with family as well and it was really nice to see how festive this day is…still!

Tomorrow I will be visiting my mom at the nursing home and no matter how much she has changed…this is still HER day. Mom who did so much for me and my sister and my children. Mom, who was selfless in all her actions and loved everyone with so much passion. She cannot recognize people now but her love and passion and affection still shines through…she still grips our hands when we reach out to her, she still kisses my hand and my cheeks with passion and love.

On this visit, it will be a double pleasure as I will be accompanied by my son and he too will be a witness to his grandmother’s love and passion. He too will make a difference in her day tomorrow and certainly his presence makes a huge difference in my day tomorrow as well because it is also MY day.

Love you Mom…Happy Mother’s Day xxxx

Easter sure IS off to a good start!

Easter weekend is among us and for many it can mean a lot of things. Good Friday often means repenting for your sins…not that I believe in “sin” but I do believe in taking an inventory of my life and what I have done and what I can do to improve myself as a person. What can I do to be a better person? That is something I have asked myself since I was a teenager I think. Praying and asking the Great Spirit, “Please help me be a better person.” Souvent je m’entend demander à le grand Créateur,”Aidez moi à devenir une meilleure personne.”

I suppose being raised Catholic, guilt and never feeling I measure up or am good enough could be partly the reason I may have thought this way. So that would be it is something that I “learned” growing up. Then there is the “nurture” part, being raised by the most loving mother and grandmother that this planet has known…really! Also being loved by extended family as well, wonderful aunts and uncles…and yes, on my father’s side of the family too…I never doubted being loved by these wonderful people in my life…EVER! Possiblement c’est mon passé étant Catholique de vivre de la culpabilité, de ne se sentir assez à la hauteur, mais bon…la vie m’a donné une mère et grand-mère qui m’ont nourrit des méga doses d’amour! Ainsi une famille qui m’ont permis de ne jamais douter d`être aimé.

Yet, there are persons that crossed my path and yes, some who were part of my life that did place stones in my shoes and I felt their pain, doubted if I could walk straight and tall enough…but I still did despite those hurdles. A new friend I recently became acquainted with often says this good-humouredly…Stand TALL…and I have, I do and I will!

C’est vraie que j’ai aussi connu des gens qui ont placer quelques cailloux dans mes souliers qui me faisait mal donc je ressentais la douleur, je me suis douté un peu de pouvoir marcher (agir) correctement et à la hauteur…mais je l’ai quand même réussis malgré tout ça. Une nouvel connaissance me dis souvent en riant, Tiens-toi GRAND…et je l’ai fait, je le fait and je vais continuer à le faire.

The Great Spirit planned some learning experiences throughout my life I think…but also ensured that I would always have a hand extended to help me up every time I looked up from a painful fall. I am thankful for that miracle of what I like to call “love”. I have known love in so many facets and colours…but I have known love and still continue to be immersed in love. What an amazing velvety blanket to surround myself with too!

Le grand Créateur m`a placer des expériences toute ma vie pour me donner des bonnes leçons. Dans ce plan, il y a toujours eu aussi une main tendu pour m’aider à me relever quand je trébuchais. J’ai connu l’amour… Des petit coup de velours de ressentir l’amour pour autrui et l’amour pour soi. Que je suis choyée! Me sentir dorloté d’amour des amis et de la famille est tellement resplendissant.

Being loved as a daughter, a sister, many loving special cousins have crossed my paths…some longer than others, uncles, aunts, grandmother and grandfather…special amazing teachers in grade school, high school and university…so many wonderful people. I have even had several employers that were kind and giving…they too feel like family to me.

I have also known romantic and passionate love…some short lived, others longer…and the most amazing and intense love of all…my children…loving them so much it sometimes hurt…seeing them glow is contagious…seeing them struggle and cry breaks my heart in pieces every time. Only a parent knows that joy and pain…and then as if that is not enough love to overextend the heart…a grandchild is born…and the flame of love burns even stronger.

J’ai connu l’amour de ma famille, ainsi ma sœur, mes cousins, oncles, tantes, grands-parents et parents. ET l’amour le plus profonde de tout…mes enfants…les aimer tellement que ¸ça fait mal parfois…les voir s’épanouir m’entoure de joie…les voir effondrer me brise le cœur et si cela n’était pas assez fort comme amour…le cœur s’étire encore plus avec l’arrivé d’un petit fils…la flamme de cet amour brule encore plus fort.

This morning I prepared a homemade meatball spaghetti sauce for my family dinner. I have to work Easter Sunday, so tonight was going to be our Easter family dinner. I kept thinking of my dear friend Maria as I was rolling my meat into little meatballs and adding them into my “secret” sauce to allow them to simmer 3 hours…just enough time so I can leave for my visit back home.

Maria is the only Italian mama that I know personally who cooks constantly for her family but with such love. I had occasions to sit in her kitchen many times in her home in Mississauga. Talking and listening to me, stirring here and there…chopping garlic and onions, shaving cheese and making me a cappuccino at the same time.

This morning as I stirred my sauce and added my spices I too felt the love I was adding into my meal. I knew my son and daughter in law like meatballs, and so it pleased me cooking something that makes them happy.

Then off to pick up my son so we could visit mom in the nursing home together. Today I would not have time to feed her lunch since I was going to Assomption to pick up a guitar my son had found…a GREAT deal. I was looking forward to the drive…me and my son travelling for a few hours, brought me back to yesteryear; remember those times made me smile. How we drove around together, carpooled his friends from concerts and parties; listening to music and enjoying the view on those drives.

It was a blessed picture seeing mom and my son hold hands…one could easily see the tenderness he has for her just by his smile. I guess one could say it was a “Kodak” moment, even if that sounds lame…it was beautiful and filled my heart with so much love and joy! Eh, oui regarder la tendresse dans les yeux de mon fils qu’il avait pour maman me remplissait avec tellement d’amour et de joie.

We spent 4 hours afterwards driving to and back to get that special guitar. As he fiddled with it while I cooked the pasta, I was reminded of those soothing melodies I heard late nights as I went to bed. They were my lullabies that gently put me to sleep as my teenage son practised on his classical guitar late at night.

This sure has started to be an amazing weekend thus far! I have more to enjoy tomorrow…sneaking a visit with my grandson and ending my day with a nice friend. Ce fut le début d’une fin de semaine céleste pour moi!

I am not sure if it is springtime or just my realizing how lucky I am to have family and great friends but the love I am feeling this weekend is pure joy. Est-ce que c’est le printemps ou tout simplement que je réjouie de ma famille et des amis extraordinaires…mais, l’amour que je ressens ce weekend me remplis d’une joie fraiche.

Happy Easter…welcome madam Spring…let love flow through the currents of life …

Joyeuses Pâques…bienvenue madame le printemps…laissé allez l’amour couler dans les courants de la vie.

Betty Boop reminds me of an important lesson that just may be a nice way to celebrate Spring.

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