Til Death Do Us Part

Caroline and Charles Fleur de Lys


I find myself reflecting often on the union between Charles and Caroline.  Charles was an eccentric, deeply religious man who was disciplined with his personal rituals. For example, he went for a daily walk, no matter what the weather or even his health.   I imagine that he was quite singular with his pursuits and he was fortunate that Caroline complied.  His choice to make major life changes was not always in the best interests of his family.  He left Switzerland at a time when Caroline's health was not strong and she was not able to join him in Canada for many months, thereby leaving Renee alone.  The decision to move to such an isolated farm at the other end of Canada at their ages was unusual.  Caroline was a woman that developed and maintained deep relationships and like her original departure from Switzerland she would of once again had to leave these supports and rely on written correspondence.  Caroline was an avid letter writer, and she did quickly establish new friendships on Canoe Point. For a woman who worked in her own beauty salon, however, and who had been surrounded by people all day, the contrast to the isolation of the farm would have been dramatic.  Furthermore, Caroline's mobility was quite restricted; I rarely see a picture of her without her cane.  It would have been challenging and quite constricting to negotiate the rough terrain around the farm.
Despite all of these challenges there is no doubt that it was the purchase of the farm that brought the Fleur de Lys family together again, bringing great comfort to Caroline and Renee.
 Life being always a combination of joy and sorrow the establishment of the farm also created an expanse of physical distance between members of the Miege family.  It is a constant sorrow to be so far from beloved relatives, which continues to be felt today.