The Heritage Project

Twenty two years ago, when Meagan was in the 4th grade at Swallow Union Elementary, she and the other 4th graders each completed a heritage project. The projects culminated in a slide presentation one evening where old family photos like the one below were projected in the auditorium.

My mother and Phil attended the presentation, and my mother said several times “Memere and Pepere would love this!” She vowed to bring them the next time. Unfortunately, when Heather got to the 4th grade two years later, this project – at least this part of it – was no longer part of the curriculum.

Meagan’s heritage project included a map of Canada, a drawing of the Canadian flag, a list of facts about Canada, a recipe for tourtiere, and an essay on Memere. (Meagan choosing Memere as the subject of her heritage project was a bit unusual because Pepere usually commanded everyone’s attention.)

Since today is Memere’s 100th birthday, I thought I would share what Meagan wrote about her.

This is the first birthday in quite some time that Memere is celebrating without Pepere. Yesterday would have been his 103rd. She often tells him to come back and get her if he likes it where he is. For whatever reason, he has not done so yet.

Three years ago, when Pepere turned 100, we had a big birthday celebration for both of them. This year, we are having smaller, individual celebrations with Memere. Dave and I took her out to lunch recently. (Unfortunately, not at the Cocke ‘N Kettle which closed its doors in 2008.) She had shrimp and scallops but declined her usual Manhattan because she said she wanted to be able to walk out of the place. We went back to her room where she offered us Pinwheel cookies for dessert. Before we left, she insisted on sharing her bingo winnings with me – two bottles of shampoo (VO5 and White Rain). Before the family gets too jealous about that, I brought both bottles up to the lake for all of us to share.

Happy birthday Memere. You are loved by many.