Shared Illusions

My thoughts return again and again to France and to the Chemin. There is such an array of associations to be made in life. Once such occurred at my dance-exxercise class on November 3rd. The instructor created a small altar. We danced with loved ones who had passed on. Fitting for a week that encompasses both Halloween and Day of the Dead.

Every town in France, no matter how small, and city has a war memorial honoring those from that place who lost their lives in WWI and WWII. I find that very touching. It stirs my soul each time I see one. I spend time reading the names the honor them. And, as my forbears are from France, via Canada, I look for Lauzon, mom’s maiden name and for Gadoury or the variation, Dagory from my dad’s side.

Grave sites in cemeteries have multiple remembrances on them.

This last tugs at my heart.

Here is the translation:

Friends, Pilgrims, Hikers,

During the long years, one of my greates pleasure was to come to the Chemin to meet you, to greet you, to encourage you, to chat a bit, to tell you stories. I often came to sit here, but since April 8, 2008 I rejoined the millions of stars that shine on your path and, from above I accompany you. Pépé Catusse

Dancing in class this past Tuesday morning to a routine called “Home”, a song invoked the memory of loved ones you’ll never see again. My heart clenched to know that I will never again be in the physical presence of my mom. I stumbled a bit. Then I recalled that she had just visited in a dream and I’d awakened happy to see her. She’ll always be here in my heart, mind, and soul.