Full day… full moon… Life goes on…

On Saturday it was my uncle’s burial. A few of us met at the cemetery where I went countless times when I was young.

My ancestors arrived in Canada in the 1600’s and settled around an area on the north shore of the St-Laurent river. (Emigrated in 1658 to be exact). Then, about 30 years later, one my ancestors choose to take on the name of “Bellemare” representing the geographical area, translating as “beautiful marsh” and until a few years ago when my great-uncle sold the family land, it was the land my family had occupied for nearly three centuries.

Quebec is a very Catholic province, and my family is no different. The town where my name comes from, where my family has its roots, is known for its worship of the patron saint, Anne, Jesus’ grandmother. The day that Sainte Anne is celebrated is July 26th, my great-grandmother’s birthday, my birthday. When I was young, we would head to Yamachiche on that day to celebrate the day with the whole family and in the evening, we would head to the festivities in the village, complete with a candlelight vigil and fireworks, all done around the church and graveyard. I would sit on my grandfathers grave and listen to stories about our family and those long gone and watch people enjoying the day into the night. It was a great way to spend my birthday each year.

When I go to the cemetery, it is not a sad place for me. It is a place full of great memories, it is a place of history and wonder. It feels comfortable and familiar and now my uncle, who spent years studying our family history is part of that. And though it is hard to think he is gone, it felt right to say goodbye to him there.

(Colin saying his final goodbye’s)

My four at the foot of the Statue of Sainte-Anne, steps away from the family grave

I love walking through the cemetery and trying to read the oldest tombstones. This one dates back to 1847.

We spent some time with family afterwards and then headed back towards home the long way and soaking up the scenery on the way… Though I long for the mountains of BC where I spent my childhood, Quebec is quite beautiful…

(St-Laurent river)