“The greatest impact on my life was my parents’ love.”
Mme Ménard has lived her entire life on the island of Montréal. She comes from a large family of seven sisters, who were very close. This strong family bond was a constant source of strength for her, especially during wartime.
She remembers surviving this difficult period with much courage, alongside her sisters and parents: “We didn’t question our parents’ decisions, but we knew that they loved us. We did what we had to do.”
Despite the challenges and the restrictions imposed by the war, Mme Ménard keeps cherished memories of those years spent with her family, when it was essential to stay united and help each other. She particularly remembers sharing meals at the large family table and walking around town with her sisters.
Mme Ménard has always been a hard-working and determined person, qualities she developed while helping her parents maintain the home.
“I’ve always worked to improve our living space, it’s something I’ve always cared about,” she says. Even today, she continues to pay attention to order and detail in her daily life.
“Because I was often alone, especially after losing my loved ones, I became a solitary person.”
Over the years, Mme Ménard has had to deal with the loss of several family members, leaving her increasingly lonely:
Family ties that were once so strong had withered over time, giving way to a more solitary life.
She observes with some nostalgia how social relationships have evolved since her younger days.
“Before, it was easier to chat with people on the street. Today is different,” she notes.
She still enjoys going out every day, and even if it can be easier sometimes to interact with the pets she meets on her walks, she remains open to meeting new people.
Love and family are values dear to Mme Ménard. They were the foundation of her life and continue to inspire her today.
“Love is what brings happiness. My life has been happy because of it.”
Her ties with Little Brothers provide her with the affection and joy of a new family and have restored her faith in the authenticity of human relationships.
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