What A Weekend

I wanted to share my incredible weekend with you.

I am starting this tale by rewinding back to September 2001. My husband and I were getting away on a rare (maybe first time ever) trip just the two of us. I had it all planned out, stops across Ontario and then heading into Quebec, with plans to end the journey at Quebec City. Of course, the trip was mainly genealogy research based.

It was a lovely trip, visiting libraries, archives and connecting with family. One stop was to see my cousin Edith who was living in Cambridge. We had never met face-to-face, up until then our communication had been mainly by letter.

We spent a lovely afternoon at her home and she was willing to let me and my husband run down to the local copy centre with some of her photographs. We made the best copies available on-site (although not the best quality) at that time.

Years passed and Edith and I lost touch.

Fast-forward to two weeks ago when I tracked down one of Edith’s nephews who was also related to me. I wasted no time in asking how to get in touch with his aunt. Honestly, I had been scouring obits for Ontario as I thought it possible she had passed away. I was amazed and thrilled to hear that Edith was alive and kicking at 104 years old and living in Gatineau, Quebec.

When I found out that Edith was doing well, I immediately wanted to plan a trip to see her. My husband and I were able to get away so we booked a trip to Ottawa leaving on Thursday and returning this past Monday.

Unable to chat with Edith on the phone, as her hearing is extremely poor, we were traveling with our fingers crossed that she would be home and up for company.

Armed with her address we set out the day after our arrival in Ottawa, knocked on her door, unsure what we would find. Well, I needn’t have worried, once we re-introduced ourselves she quickly remembered us and asked how our cattle farm was doing!

I felt I was more prepared for this visit, I had a bit more research done on the family and was able to ask better questions. I could tell Edith thoroughly enjoyed our visits as she regaled us with stories about times gone by.

Edith could not find one of her photo albums but was willing to have the pictures she on-hand scanned. Thank goodness for the Flip-Pal Scanner!

 

 

One photograph Edith had on display was her grandfather and my 2x great grandfather William R. Jordan in full uniform! I had never laid eyes on this photograph before and was beyond thrilled to see as well as scan it!

 

 

After three visits with Edith, we had to part and it is so sad to know I will likely not get an opportunity to see her again.

Truly one of my favorite things about researching my family tree is getting to meet relatives like Edith.

*featured image – Edith c1940