Fin Vacances

Fin. A word to celebrate at the end of the long construction zone that perpetually tortures vacationers escaping to the beauty of Charlevoix or returning chez eux in Quebec and beyond. A word that has filled me with dread for days now, and finally, it's here.

I know all good things must come to an end. Knowledge is no insurance against heartbreak: it sure didn't stop my heart from breaking yesterday, while saying goodbye to Sylvie and Jean-Francois.

Jacques and Justin graciously shared a family gathering with us at Pierre-Louis' wife's family chalet, situated au bord de la mer in the picturesque village of Deschaillions. I'd heard an emission on Radio Canada about this place (the village, not the chalet ;-) ), wished I could find time to visit, and the Universe provided. (That logic, to me, is much more interesting than believing in coincidence, BTW.)

Things get a little crazy when one is running out of time. I'd hoped to have breakfast with the my beloved friends in Saint Antoine-de-Tilly on the way to Montreal this morning, but realized while returning from the chalet that we were about to pass within two minutes of their new (ADORABLE) 1800's house and with the flip of a cellphone and a tap on Jacques' shoulder, we were there. No time to spare; we ran through that house, J-F following regaling us with horror stories and success stories about the renovation and move. As usual, they've pulled off another miracle. This place is to DIE for already, and it's still full of boxes. I can't wait to sit at their table again, boire un coup and solve the problems of the world with them.

Kate is tapping me on the shoulder. A signal that it's time to go. Damn. I hope I'll be able to pick up this thread and capture more of the magic and grace we've experienced while in our beloved Quebec City.

Thanks for reading!