In Part Five of Rural Manitoba Memories, you learned what my dad did during and after World War Two, how he met my mother, and how they suffered through having three boys before being rewarded by... (joking)?
And now for the rest of the story...
Dad: When Leanne was in elementary school, in 1970, Ollie started work in the hospital first in the laundry department—where they started at six thirty.
Ollie liked cooking and moved to the kitchen as a cook’s helper and then before she left she was the assistant cook and started at 9:15 AM. Ollie left the hospital after fifteen years.
Interlake Spectator Newspaper: Mr. Jim Willetts, Postmaster for 31 years [1950-1981] at the Eriksdale Post Office, was honoured by about 200 people from the community and area as they gathered to pay tribute and express their appreciation to Jim at a surprise retirement party for him on August 15th [1981]...
As well as performing the duties of postmaster, Jim provided service over and above the call of duty. He was someone who people would turn to for advice and counsel; he would rewrap parcels with string and paper if they looked like they needed better protection. Besides these things, Jim's good sense of humour lightened the day for many people.
In other words, Jim has been more than a Postmaster. He has been a friend to countless people from all walks of life and to people of all ages.
It was humourly suggested by the M.C. that Jim's influence was so great that his retirement caused the whole postal system to shutdown...
With Jim's retirement as postmaster of the Eriksdale Post Office, another era has come to an end, but we know that Jim will continue to serve the people of this community and this area with devotion and dedication.
Dad: Ollie and I continue to live at the junction of Highways 6 and 68. We have no regrets at leaving British Columbia and making our home in the Manitoba Interlake.
Uncle Jim: I am very proud to call Jim my friend. No one could have a better one. He was honest and true, but in later days, in spite of all his friends he was lonely, tired and sick. Now he is where he wants to be, with his beloved Ollie.
Leanne: Mom passed away on April 28, 1998. Dad on December 11, 1999.
Lasting Love
Leanne
This story was inspired by the love I witnessed in my mom's palliative care room.
My husband stands straight, tall, so close to my bed. He is all I see. He is my life. His long, thin, weathered fingers stroke my brow. My life is in his touch.
Our love has endured so much--worry, anger, misunderstanding, longing, pain. Will it endure this?
Others think he is strong but I see his damp eyes, his Adam's apple quiver, his erratic breathing. I know his fragility. My strongest desire is to keep him safe from sadness, from grief, from loss, from what is happening to me. I want to hold him and I want to tell him that we've won, that we will be together forever.
But though I fight, I am leaving him--slipping away.
He must withstand this. He must be strong. I will give him strength. I frown at him, with soft eyes. Don't let it win. Have faith. Our love is stronger. I tell him with my eyes.
"May I kiss you?" He is always a gentleman.
"If you dare." I grin. He's used to my teasing.
Our lips--our hearts touch.
"Was it worth it?" I ask. "Was it worth your life?"
"Oh." He breathes. "Oh, yes." He forces a smile.
Then I know; I know we've won; I know our love will never die.
I'm indebted to the Eriksdale Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, whose hard work published the Beyond Beginnings: Eriksdale History Book in 1996 and Lucy Lindell who published Memory Opens the Door in 1970 and 1974 (second printing). Other sources included a toast to the bride written by Aunty Kay and an obituary written by Uncle Jim. Writing this memoir is an act of loving tribute that I plan to continue--digging more deeply, unearthing more memories.
It's been 14 years since I visited Eriksdale. In two days, on May 14, I'll sail from Mayne Island and board a plane in Victoria, BC. I'll fly all the way "home" to Eriksdale. Someone should warn them. Not only will I be visiting Manitoba but I'll also... I'll tell you all about my trip when I come "home" to Mayne Island. Bye for now...
Thank you for reading
Rural Manitoba Memories
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