For the second year, we have chosen to gather at the Econolodge of St-Liboire. This was, once again, an extraordinary week end, despite the overwhelming heat! Fortunately, we were able to enjoy the air conditioning of the hotel.
The Friday evening supper, even if it was served with a little delay, has been greatly appreciated (circumstances that one can't bypass, shall we say). People were very happy to find each other again. The evening was most pleasant and it ended quite late. Many people came and we had the chance to see new faces.
I am always amazed to observe the delicacy and the solidarity of the family. We unfortunately had to announce the death of Madeleine Gosselin, Laurier's spouse. Yves went promptly to buy a sympathy card and a short while after, the card was filled with signatures. Laurier was with us by heart and spirit, and folks rendered it well to him. We have also spoke of the death of Réal Vadnais from Longueuil, he made a lot of genealogy and he intended to come this year.
On Saturday morning, people that had made the choice of Saturday only, arrived all along before midday. We are anxious to excuse us for the persons that had to pay for their lunch. The lunch was included only with Package no 2 (all meals, except accommodation). We will be clearer, next year. Be sure that mistakes that have been done this year will not be repeated next year, as like this year we were able to avoid those of the previous Reunion.
The afternoon of Saturday was appreciated by all those who were there. People listened attentively all persons that came paraded to the microphone. Yvon talked to us about the history of the Vadnais surname, as well as of the history of our ancestors. Cécile has spoken about Rosario Vadnais of Acton, sole priest of the family (in the meantime Bernard), and Gervaise spoke about the longevity of the Vadnais.
Let us mention the visits of Lucien, 91 years old, Jean-Luc's father, that talked to us in French and English. He was applauded cordially. Bravo uncle Lucien and thank you for your visit. Aunt Berthelie, 88 years old, also addressed herself to us. Thank you aunt Berthelie. What a beautiful lady! Let us also mention the presence of David, of Missouri, that came with is wife this year. Bravo David! Let us also mention equally the presence of Philip and Nancy of Ontario, as well as the beautiful small family of Josée Vadnais of Amqui.
When forty-two persons joined together last year, we were pleased to observe that we exceeded the hundred of persons on Saturday evening. The people had come from Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, 1'Ile Perrot, St. Hubert, Joliette, Longueuil, Biddeford and Kennebunck Maine, Dollard-Des-Ormeau, St. Nicéphore, Sorel, Laval, St. Lambert, Cowansville, St. Barthélémy, St. Eugène, Drummonville, St. Cuthbert, Boucherville, St. Bruno and Acton Vale. Congratulations and thanks to all of you.
The dance of Saturday evening has attracted many persons, but some of them found the music a bit loud. But, here again, we will look after this next time. Even so, many persons closed the dance around midnight and a half.
On Sunday morning, the church of St. Nazaire waited us. Bernard, our future priest, pronounced the homily, Alex his nephew, served the mass, while the reading was made by Réjeanne Vadnais. After the mass, a brunch was waiting for us at the Econolodge. Several persons joined us for the brunch. The people gave Bernard a big hand and thanked him. Several were again crying this year, saying: "See you next year". While, Saturday, half of the people told they would prefer two years of delay, Sunday the majority wanted to renew the experience next year.
Thank you to all of you who have participated and thanks to all of those that offered their assistance for the next meeting. You can be sure that we will call you, in case of need.
See you all next year.
P.S.: Aunt Berthelie has left us a month later for a best world. Our sympathies to the close family.
Text written by Mrs Gervaise Vadnais
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