– Are you crying, Marie-Andrée? Because if you cry, I’ll cry!
– Not yet, Louise, not yet!
– I’m watching you! (laughter)
It’s on a note as amusing as it is touching that we open our meeting with Marie-Andrée, a dedicated Little Brothers volunteer, and her Great Friend, Louise.
On this autumn morning, their joy at being together is palpable, and they share it with such enthusiasm that we soon find ourselves smiling along with them.
Choose a family
“Giving time makes me more human, more sensitive, more generous,” Marie-Andrée tells us. “I’m discovering qualities I never knew I had.”
Louise hastens to agree. In her eyes, Marie-Andrée is much more than a volunteer in her life: she’s a real “diamond”.
The latter takes her role very much to heart. She never misses an opportunity to be there for her Great Friend. “Seeing her happy, even over little things, means a lot to me.”
Despite her busy professional life, the moments she shares with her accomplice are sacred. When it’s Louise, it’s Louise. Nothing can distract her from this appointment.
“Little Brothers is a family I choose. No one imposes it on me. For me, it’s really important to offer a sincere presence to the seniors I accompany,” she says.
That’s why she places such a high priority on visits, outings, card games and other treats for Louise and other Great Friends.
“I see it as a commitment. A long-term commitment in which trust is built up. These people know loneliness all too well. They quickly become attached. Being able to count on someone is precious. For them, even more so, I think.”
Giving her time, finding meaning
One thing is certain, this gift of herself nourishes her greatly in return. “I don’t have any parents and I’ve never had any children. In 2020, my brother died after a long illness. At 61, I have a lot of time and love to give. Louise gives me back a hundredfold.”
Funny, a good listener, a good advisor: these are her words about the woman she now considers a precious friend.
– Okay, I knew you were going to cry!
This time, we’re the ones nodding in agreement to Louise’s comment. When Marie-Andrée realizes the full extent of her bond with her friend, she quickly becomes moved.
“I know her joys and sorrows. She knows mine. My father’s name was Jacques. So was her husband. And we both come from the same region. Louise brings a lot of richness to my life.”
For both of them, the holiday season had lost some of its luster before they met. But today, the word “together” takes on a new meaning, and they find themselves already looking forward to the memories to come.
Marie-Andrée:
– The holiday dinner with Litlle Brothers is a great moment of joy. For them and for me!
Louise :
– Do you remember Jeannine? I can’t wait to hear her sing her songs!
This holiday season, give the gift of a comforting presence
Meaningful moments like those shared by Louise and Marie-Andrée are created by you.
Thanks to your generosity, the Little Brothers Foundation is able to hire and train over 3,000 volunteers a year across 12 regions of Quebec. Because you are there, thousands of isolated seniors see their lives transformed.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being at their side.
