"This year is over, and tomorrow a new one rolls in. I have known love, despair, sorrow, grief, happiness, joy, discouragement, and what have. Best of all, I have known love. This is a love that will last forever -- We'll have our ups and downs, arguments, peace and everything else that makes two people love each other. With the help and grace of God we'll come out of it O.K."
Fast forward just over sixty years, six children and fourteen grandchildren later, these words written by my Mimi about her and my Papa could not have been more true. On Saturday, with their children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate their amazing lives, we laughed and cried as we read the final few months' entries of 1955. It was so fitting that the final words Mimi wrote about her engagement year of 1955 were written with optimism, joy, and unbridled excitement for the things to come (traits that were cherished by her kids and grandkids.)
A couple of months ago, I wrote a blog post highlighting some of the things that I loved most about my wonderful Mimi and Papa. After I wrote it, my parents went over to their home, and read it to them. Mom and Dad reported back that Mimi and Papa loved it (which comes as no surprise, since they were always quick to offer their support). While writing it, there was no part of me thinking that within just a few months, they would have both passed away. It has been a really hard couple of months. I think that my Dad nailed it right on the head, when he talked to me about how constant and steady their presence was in our lives. Prior to their rapid decline, it was hard to imagine a world without these things. Now, a few weeks after Papa's passing, I am left with fond memories and nostalgia about my wonderful grandparents.
I loved that there was never a moment of judgement with Mimi and Papa. These were qualities that they shared with their kids, who have passed them on to us. They always loved us despite our flaws. They never pried, but they always extended themselves when they could for our well-being.
Mimi and Papa were willing to drop everything at the drop of a hat to make sure that we were okay. I can recall feeling really sick once in high school, and Mom and Dad weren't able to pick me up. I called Papa and he came over immediately to take me home. When we got there, he made sure I was comfortable, and then called the house later on to make sure I was doing okay.
They kept a warm, inviting home with a door that was always opened (but seriously, it was only a few years ago that they actually starting locking the house). I always knew what to expect when I went over to visit. Papa would tell stories of the past (some of them more than once). Even when I went to visit him in his nursing home a couple of weeks ago, he was sharing stories that I had never heard before. Mimi would always have some treats prepared for us. Even if it was a surprise visit, we could count on coke, twizzlers, and usually a delicious cake (Papa loved his treats). We would sit in living room and they would listen intently as we filled them in on our latest escapades. They would chime in when they could and make sure that we knew how proud they were of us.
When I was in fourth grade, I made the decision to play the violin. I had never played an instrument before, but the teacher was fun and I received encouragement from my Mom and Dad. When Papa found out, he was so excited for me. There was rarely a moment at the Dumont house that music wasn't playing on the radio, and when we couldn't hear it, that usually meant that Papa was playing a tune on his accordion or violin. He was quite the fiddler. When it came time for me to purchase a full-sized violin, I didn't have to look far. I went over to Mimi and Papa's house where I found several violins of various conditions laid out for me. The one I chose needed a little bit of work, but when it was all said and done it looked and played beautifully. I was often shy about playing by myself, but I wish that I had played for Mimi and Papa more often. Papa loved listening to the oldies, especially the French-Canadian tunes.
Mimi and Papa loved their bean suppers (especially Papa). They combined three of their favorite things, baked beans, same-generation folks sharing old stories, and pie (Papa loved his treats). I can't remember how many bean suppers I attended with them, but it was surely in the double digits. The most memorable of these happened in Freeport before we watched the Preservation Hall Jazz Band play the night away as part of the L.L. Bean free summer concert series. We walked down the street looking for something to eat, when suddenly we noticed a baked bean supper sign. After finishing, we walked outside where I balanced on a short ledge. Fooling around, I stuck my foot into an opening of a nearby trash can. Mimi said, "You shouldn't do that Noah, it might get stuck." In my youthful arrogance I laughed and began to pull my foot out. As I pulled my foot out, it stuck on the lid of the can and I fell right on my butt. After making sure I was okay, Mimi laughed with me at my silliness and often reminded me of that story.
Mimi loved to spend her mornings drinking hot coffee, doing the daily crossword puzzle, and watching the birds outside of their home. When we visited her, we often found her doing just that. When she wasn't doing those things, her motherly instincts took over, as she cooked, cleaned, and did laundry. She was a great cook and I was privy to many a fantastic meal. When we were young, Mimi and Papa hosted our Thanksgiving celebrations, making the home welcome for their kids, in-laws, and grandchildren.
Papa spent most of his days in his workshop, where he crafted furniture, clocks, and small toys for the grand-kids. Like all the he did, these tasks were slow, meticulous, and well-crafted. Their home is like a treasure trove of quality Papa-made fixtures (the house itself was also Papa-made). I can vividly remember driving to different lumber yards on several occasions to get just the right material for Papa's projects. I wish that I had more interest in learning his woodworking hobby, but at that age I was all-consumed with sports.
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| The Boys and their toys from Papa |
Papa loved travelling around the state, and as we did, telling stories of his days working as an engineer for Maine's department of transportation. It was nearly impossible to travel to a place in Maine for which Papa didn't have a story. We often went to Hallowell, where Papa would talk about the old Granite quarries and the time a truck full of Granite lost its breaks and barreled down the steep hills of Hallowell.
Mimi loved her grandchildren (all fourteen of them) and was always quick to offer her babysitting services. She often brought us in tow as she ran her errands around town (we went because we knew that McDonald's would likely follow). She would ask us what we wanted to do, and then she would selflessly drive us to Giffords and Benton Family Fun park and watch along contently.
Mimi and Papa loved the outdoors. On warm, sunny days, it was never a surprise to drive up to the Homestead and find them sitting out in the yard enjoying every minute of it. In our younger years, Papa would have been smoking a pipe (a habit which he kicked eventually). They often sat quietly just to enjoy the wildlife around them. When we spotted turkeys in the back yard, rather than say "oh, yeah, we see them every day..." they would smile and watch with us and tell stories about the turkeys fleeing from the fox a couple of days ago. Papa loved to talk about how smart the turkeys were (especially when it came to evading predators).
Mimi and Papa loved having a good time. When the family was around, they always had a smile on their faces. On special occasions, they enjoyed a glass of wine or two and played charades or sang old French-Canadian songs. Weddings were always quite festive.
I loved my Mimi and Papa and there is no question that loved me too. I am so happy to have had them in my life for 26 years. They have left behind a legacy of love and caring that will be carried on for many generations. It gives me joy to know that they are dancing, singing, and smiling down on us from heaven. I know that we will meet again someday, but until then I will do my best to match the joy for life that they shared with us!
I love you Mimi and Papa!
