M. Daigle: Loneliness Alleviated by Volunteers

“Appreciating life is the most important lesson I’ve learned.”

Born in Montréal, M. Daigle always led an active life, surrounded by his loved ones and his faithful cat. He recalls with fondness the simple moments of his life, such as the daily routine he shared with his devoted pet. “We had a mutual appreciation for each other”, he affirms.

Today, M. Daigle lives in a private residence, where he has had to adapt to a new reality, including the absence of his feline companion and a stricter schedule. The move has led to a decrease in his social circles and in the activities that once structured his daily life, and has, in turn, increased his sense of isolation. His declining health has further limited his activities, making him feel even more alone. However, he finds comfort in visits from Little Brothers volunteers. These get-togethers have allowed him to reconnect with others, break his isolation, and participate in enjoyable and enriching conversations.

M. Daigle has a wise perspective on life and old age. For him, aging provides an opportunity to focus on himself, to meditate, and to find inner peace. He firmly believes that it is important to appreciate the little things in life, despite the challenges associated with getting older.

M. Daigle also expresses a certain disappointment about the current state of society in Québec. He notes that older persons are not recognized for their true worth, and this accentuates their invisibility and feelings of isolation. Nonetheless, he remains deeply attached to his Québec roots and mother tongue.

“I am proud to be Québécois. We speak French here. It’s our identity,” he says.

M. Daigle wishes to continue living his life to the fullest, with respect for himself and for others, regardless of differences in age. His conversations with the Little Brothers volunteers remind him that it is possible to find happiness in simplicity and to build connections through solidarity and mutual support.