A Memorable Family Weekend

Last weekend was a truly special time for me. My husband and I took my 92 year old dad on a meaningful trip back to his roots in Northern Maine to visit his brother, sister-in-law, and sister and other family members. It had been nearly nine years since they were all together.
After my mom recently passed, my cousin mentioned at her service, that her dad—my dad’s brother—had been longing to see him. Unfortunately, due to health issues, he wasn’t able to make the six-hour trip. My dad, on the other hand, was healthy enough to travel, but over the years, he had been unable to go because my mom couldn’t be left alone and was unable to travel herself.
One morning I woke up and felt like God was telling me to make this trip happen. My husband was totally willing to drive, he is amazingly supportive and truly values family.  When I asked my dad if he wanted to go, his answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” It had been far too long since he’d been back.
Growing up, our whole family would travel to Northern Maine regularly, spending cherished time with our relatives. I remember those visits so well. We had a camper and would park it at one relative’s home or another, creating wonderful memories together. This trip felt like a return to those roots—a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and make new memories with family.

​This was the morning we picked him up. He was ready to go.

We set out on the road for the almost 6 hour drive.

It didn't take long to hear some sounds coming from the back seat.

We made good time  and were lucky to have great weather. We stopped for some fast food—a favorite of my dad’s—and took a quick pit stop before continuing on.

The last leg of the trip, we were met with a pretty strong snow storm and unplowed roads, but we made it!

My Aunt, Terry - aka T.O. upon our arrival. 

Dad's brother, Uncle Paul and Aunt Avril, greet dad. She was telling him he looks just like Pepere Fred, his dad, and he does, but with more hair.

It was so wonderful to see the three of them together.

A huge thank you to my cousin Mary and her daughter, Marin (the two on the right) and TO for doing so much to welcome and feed us and make us feel at home. Mary and Marin also drove up from mid Maine. Also, to uncle Paul and Aunt Avril for opening their home to us.

Cousin Rachel, T.O.'s daughter and her son Jack also joined us. It was so good to see them.

We shared a wonderful meal prepared by Terry complete with traditional French Canadian ployes. (buckwheat pancakes)

The next morning, John and I went driving around so I could take some pictures. We found the humor in this sign. There was so much snow and it was cold.

This was the hospital in Fort Kent  that I was born in.

The border crossing to Canada.

The Fort Kent Block House

Fort Kent the day after the start of the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races.

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Madawaska, ME

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The street we stayed on in Madawaska. Straight ahead is Canada.

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We spent another day with our wonderful family with a delicious meal provided by my cousin, Mary.

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We enjoyed looking at all the photo binders that my aunt meticulously makes and maintains that keep a wonderful record of our family. She is highly valued member of the Ste Agathe Maine historical society, the town my dad and her family are from.
​To my delight, I can see that photography is highly valued by the family. There are many professional photos that were taken of my dad's family. I will include some at the end of the blog.

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The sweater pictured in the previous two pictures was one knit by my dad's mom. It is in perfect condition. My dad had given it to me and I now gave it to my aunt to put in the historical society museum. 

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We also were able to visit my Aunt Greta and cousin Jennifer on my mom's side of the family , while we were in Northern, Maine.

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Below are some pictures from now and then.

This is the home where we lived when I was young. This is how it looks now and the picture on the right is how it looked back then. That is me on the left with my brother and sister.

This is the store my dad's family owned how it used to look.

It is no longer a store. This is what it looks like now.

My dad with his parents in front of the store way back when.

This is the house my mom grew up in now and back then with her parents in front  of it.

Cherished formal family pictures- My Uncle Paul on the left and my dad on the right.

Aunt Terry -14 months old

Paul and Terry

Paul

Dad

What a blessing it is to belong to this family. Thank you God for inspiring me to take this trip with my dad and keeping family ties strong.