AMphy 74. A Broken Heart

The early 1990's brought more losses for the family. In April of 1991 Alphy’s brother, Edmond, died. Alphy and Edmond had always been close. During their childhood they had been there for one another, a bond which lasted throughout their life. The two had managed to maintain contact, even after they had grown up and gone their separate ways.

Edmond had spent most of his adulthood in Fredericton, N.B. He had moved there shortly after Alphy had returned from the USA. Edmond married Edith Henry from Fredericton, and they raised a large family. But Alphy and Edmond had kept in touch over the years. Edmond had made the annual trips to Prince Edward Island, usually in the springtime. In earlier years, Edmond had come over with his family. Then as Edmond’s children grew older, he had come to P.E.I. with Edith. Still later when Edith had become too ill to travel, Edmond had made the trip on his own. During Edmond’s visits, he and Alphy always spent hours talking at the kitchen table. They always chatted about “them times”, when they were children. There was a very. special bond between the two brothers.

Since his return from the USA, Alphy had truly settled down, with no desire to travel, but he had made a few exceptions. The only long distance trips he had ever taken after his return from the USA were to New Brunswick to visit Edmond (apart from the trips to sell the hand sleighs).

Now Alphy and Edmond would chat no more about “them times” at the kitchen table. On April 14, 1991 Margurita received the news by telephone of Edmond’s death. Alphy was sitting in his favorite spot, in the rocking chair. Margurita hung up the phone, and came in the kitchen. She broke the news to him as gently as she could.

Alphy didn’t say anything for a moment. Margurita thought, “It’s not like him to be speechless.” Then Alphy got up slowly, and

156