Amélie et sa “puce”

I am very reluctant to tell people what they should do. Or think. Although I’m quite pleased to discuss the pros and cons of a dilemma or contentious issue. To be sure, I wasn’t always like that. It’s a result I imagine of having children and grandchildren who have taught me more than a thing or two. And of having had so many interesting and varied experiences with people and places.

So I was taken aback when Yves sought my advice on an almost spring day in the mid 1980’s. Danielle was pregnant, and they were considering an abortion. They already had Julie, and I suppose the question of staying afloat financially was a prime reason. But I don’t really remember and it doesn’t matter anyway.

In principle I support the position that it’s largely the woman’s decision. Taking into account her partner’s thoughts of course. I’ve even discussed this matter with placard-bearing old folks who regularly parade in front of the Kelowna hospital. I’ve asked them why, given the widely different ideas of when the foetus becomes a human being, they don’t put their energies elsewhere. Like helping to save the lives of hundreds of undeniably human children who die daily in Africa.

Anyway, in Yves and Danielle’s situation I was heavily biased in favour of no abortion. Don’t ask me why because I don’t know. Then Amélie was born in November and I became her godfather. I was pleased. Two weeks ago I was at l'Église Notre-Dame de Fátima in a distant part of Longueuil. Amélie’s daughter, Naomy was baptised. I was very pleased.