WARBRIDES-L Archives

From: "joan reichardt" <>
Subject: Anniversary
Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 12:30:21 -0700

May 15th 1946; by this time I was on board the Lady Rodney steaming away from Southampton. We would have had a meal by now and were, no doubt, still marvelling over the white bread. I wish I could remember what I was thinking and feeling at the time, it was probably some sadness at leaving my beloved England and my family and friends, but mostly happy anticipation of seeing my husband of less than 11 months, whom I had not seen for 10 months.With the boundless optimism of youth and love, I was confident all would be wonderful!!
Looking back, 60 years later, I think my optimism was well founded, because I did have over 50 years of a solid and happy marriage, my family are very good to me, we have lots of good times together, although I still grieve for my husband, I have learnt to count my blessings. Good health, adequate income, a pleasant place to live, activities to keep me busy, friends and family, and being part of my community, all combine to make my life full and rewarding.
And now, we are being honoured as a group in so many ways!!
I was at the Saskatchewan War Brides Reunion in Saskatoon last week and it was a memorable event for me and my 3 daughters. The exhibit at the Deifenbaker Centre at the UofS was truly amazing and I was a celebrity - for an hour, at least. It was good to meet Bev Tosh again and to see those incredible portraits once more. I had sent some memorabilia for the display and the staff were most appreciative, hugs all round, and requests for pictures and signatures on the book put together by the daughter and granddaughter of a very dear friend of mine (sadly no longer with us) and Jean Fells, a fellow War Bride. Mostly Sask stories but very good and now sold out!! It was a wonderful weekend and my daughters have decreed that their brothers must attend the next one in Saskatoon, where all of our children were born.
It was good to meet Hazel and her daughter, and the girls have exchanged email addresses, another amazing couple had driven all the way from Montreal - 5 days!!
She is from Lewes, in Sussex, and when he went over he spoke no English. They were engaged before he went to Dieppe where he was taken prisoner, and married as soon as he was released from POW camp. They are a delightful couple, he still has a real twinkle in his eye!
But my favourite story is this: as we were winding down the festivities at the Museum I said to this lady "When you met that dashing young Canadian soldier I bet you never expected to end up with your picture in a museum?'
Her response:"No, and I never expected to find myself in an outhouse, wiping my bum on a page from Eatons catalogue."
We may have lost our youthful English complexion, our vision may not be what it was, it may take us a bit longer to get around, but we have not lost our sense of humour. That was probably the most valuable thing we brought with us. Joan Reichardt.

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• Anniversary by "joan reichardt" <>