Thank you for sharing. Greetings. I am the nephew of John H. Lavigne of Listiguj, Quebec. -- whose marker you shared on this blog page. I have visited his grave at the Groesbeek Cemetary and placed the objects at his marker that you see in your picture. Thank you for sharing your blog and some history. Much appreciated.
Homeward Bound Keith, I feel like I watched a movie of your dad and mom's life. It played out so very well. Academy Award coming up! Thanks for bringing us along. We thoroughly enjoyed your blogs, a combination of humor, tenderness, emotions, facts, all enlightening. Hugs to you and Danielle. Sal and Al xoxoxo
Your trip of a lifetime Many thanks Keith to you and Danielle for taking us on this heartwarming journey. I had a first cousin who was with the Canadian 3rd division all thru the war, in the same warzone. I remember him arriving home in 1945 at Ottawa union station in his uniform. What a homecoming. I was 8 years old. He only reluctantly talked of his experiences. Thank you Keith.
A marvellous journey Keith, I learned so much about you that I didn't suspect sitting across from you when you discuss our taxes. The historical record was so interesting. My 20 year old grandson is enjoying it all so much because, as a member of the Reserves, every historical note, every recollection, can be added to his knowledge of war, of the military and his studies at Queens.
I found your personal memories so heartfelt and so respectful of your family, your wife, your siblings and your father's generation. Just a wonderful experience for me.
Thank you so much.
Us Sending Dad Off I look at that picture of you all sending your Dad off; if only you had the knowledge you have now, to understand that full meaning of his trek. But now you do. I have a question Keith. Your blog on your parents date of birth. You have Hazel as Hazel Barrow was born in January 4, 1918 in Bournemouth, England. She was the first child of Victor (1906-1998) and Elsie (nee Veal - 1904-1991). And Doug born in 1925. I assume that's a typo as I thought she was younger than your dad? Either way the woman has great genetics. I think they were handed down to you my friend! Hugs, Sal & Al xo
I Hope You Dance Ahhhh Keith, not laughing at your expense but I could just picture you in that zippy little car getting stuck in that street & no where to go but forward! Thank god for the kindness of strangers, especially when we are traveling to a foreign land. So wonderful you can share this with Dan & Emma; many of you are tied together by a sad past. So happy you got an early birthday gift! That was funny. Keep on keeping up you two. Love to you. Sal & Al...xo
There was sand and hills... Love the photos, both sentimental touching ones and the one of you and Danielle. Now Keith, this Roller Grill Egg Boiler? Did you bring it with you? Smart idea for traveling especially since the food sucks. I was hoping to hear of grand meals along the way but this doesn't seem to be the case. Thanks for sharing all the info of all things war, some of it I did not know. Very interesting and at the same time as you say, very sobering. Hugs to you and your gal! Sal & Al xoxo
Love the photos. Thanks for all the great photos, Keith. The ones of the cemeteries are very touching. I love your Tunnel gear, the brain bucket of which is very becoming, lol.
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart Very teary eyed reading about Doug's journey, and what he endured (and others). What strikes me most, is it is so true that despite his trauma, that he could be such a pillar of strength, and a wonderful father, husband, grandfather etc. That is pure inner strength, and that Irish sense of humor served him well! Again, what a tribute Keith to trace this powerful moving journey, and to share it with your kids, and grandchildren. We will continue to look forward to your blogs and your endless search for strong coffee & good directions by "M"!!! (Make sure you check below your blog; quite often your drafts are saved there and not in your actual blog. Trying clicking on them. Hope this helps! (Happy belated birthday to Danielle. Please tell her I emailed her!) Love Sal & Al xox
Nothing Breaks like a heart...... Keith, Thanks for these blogs. The description of your dad's plight as well as all the others during this war is heartbreaking. Good to see you have a sense of humour through all of this. I always liked a Belgium blonde (beer that is)…
After the war my dad worked in the Belgium Coal mines for a few years before emigrating to Canada.
DK
Coffee, crowds and cemeteries! I really am enjoying the info you are passing along about your Dad. And you have his shaving kit? Wow! I wish I could blow the pics up to a bigger size. The history, the details and your locations are really informative. Places I probably will never see. And yes these blogs are work! Especially with the historical data you are giving us. Aww poor Danielle! The moving around is no doubt hard on her. Hang in there you two! (Don't forget her upcoming birthday/and your anniversary is around then too?) Safe travels. Love Sal & Al xoxo
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road/ So glad the books have helped you out. Your adventure is so exciting. The photos of your Dad are so wonderful to see, reminds of my Dad. I am chuckling at some of your experiences, especially your search for a good cup of coffee. Good luck !!
Every step I take, you used to lead the way Now I'm terrified to face it on my own Your title really hit me .... it was what I wrote by way as a memorial to my late, wonderful husband, and it just about describes my day-to-day existence since he died. Keep on blogging .... I'll have to catch up when I get back from my visit down east to catch up with two old friends. I wish I'd known my father, a "sapper" who did his war in Burma, better but after the war, when he returned to England, he was assigned to different posts, Germany, Malta, Malaya and then home. I was boarding school'd, and then university and then a job and when my father returned to England and retired, it was in time to see his first grand son born and wave me off to Canada.
I've only got your stories... Keith the articles were powerful stuff to read. It's wonderful you have those since he never talked to you about his war experience. Scattering of his ashes...I didn't have any tears at all over that!! (NOT!) Your dad would be SO proud of your journey, and for all your words, and sharing it with us. What an honor. Hugs to you and Danielle. Sal & Al xoxo
What a story ... and Edit Piaf too Avec mes souvenirs J'ai allumé le feu Mes chagrins, mes plaisirs Je n'ai plus besoin d'eux
Remarkable how you've captured the essence of those lines. Keep on blogging.
The pics, the inside story... I was a bit behind reading Keith. I LOVE the pics of Hazel as a young woman. WOWSIE. What a story, what a tapestry of your dad & uncle's lives. It's unfathomable to think of what these very young men (& women) witnessed. The years they invested. Well so much good came out of it naming you, and your family and now grandchildren all cause of a little ditty named Doug & Hazel. I know how tedious it is to do blogs Keith, so my hat is off to you doing this while walking/traveling around/moving locations. Tell Danielle I love the pants off of her too! Love Sal & Al xoxoxoxo
Survival on the Orient Express Way to go Keith. Great to have a good laugh as Danielle searches for a bathroom. Helene and I look forward to reading your blog every night.
"Release the hounds"! "Release the hounds"! Best euphemism I've heard. I plan to appropriate it! Glad to hear you've landed, but not so happy that you're facing such brutal heat. It's no picnic here (Toronto) but at least air-conditioning is more widely available. Looking forward to your posts. Take it easy, especially in the heat!
Andrew Lavigne
non-member comment
Thank you for sharing.
Greetings. I am the nephew of John H. Lavigne of Listiguj, Quebec. -- whose marker you shared on this blog page. I have visited his grave at the Groesbeek Cemetary and placed the objects at his marker that you see in your picture. Thank you for sharing your blog and some history. Much appreciated.