Yvonne's '66 Letter, Waterloo

Waterloo, December 21, 1966

Dear Emilienne,
Dear Arthur,

Your much awaited lovely letter arrived this morning. Octave, Maurice and I are happy to hear you are all doing well. Here, Octave and Maurice are still not well because of their thrombosis. They must really take care of themselves . . and have plenty of rest, so I find myself between two sick people. In spite of it all, we still remain cheery. You just can't let yourself go and give in. You must go on living. As for myself, it's still the same. We would still like to sell the cinema. There are many potential buyers but with little money to offer. One of these days someone will come along with the right price.

When the weather gets nice again, work will begin on the road we plan to build at Buvrinnes [sp??]. Then we will sell the property. It's a tough situation we fInd ourselves in. It's taking so long … to keep waiting as we grow old.

I was happy to learn that the four boys will be visiting. It must be quite a nice peaceful break from the routine. I can see how happy you must be to have them over here with us. As you know, we have no one. Will you be seeing Aime' and his wife this year? When you write them send them our regards and best wIshes for the new year.

Here in Belgiurn, the weather is terrible. The rains have caused flooding all across Belgium, It's quite sad, Octave and I travelled to Lourdes and from there went on to Portugal. It was a very long trip. We went to see some friends there that we hadn't seen for 40 years, We were really happy to see them.

Arthur and Emilienne, we'll all have to wait until I have enough money to visit you all because the trip will be costly. I think I'll travel by plane since it's quicker. l'll close here by wishing you all the best. The three of us send you our warmest regards.

Yvonne, Octave, Maurice