My other family - The Gilletts

Thirty-six years ago today, I legally changed my last name to Gillett, but this family has been part of my life and in my heart for much longer.  I was seven years old when Keith and his family moved to Cambrai street in Sherbrooke, just one house over from our house.  We had nothing really in comon. I was a girl, and spoke only French, Keith was a boy (this kind of detail is very important to a seven year old), spoke only English, and to top it all, he was much  older  - he must have been at least 8 and a half or 9 (we are18 months apart)!  But despite these friendship defying odds, there was something that attracted each of us to one another and we became inseparable friends. Keith taught me how to ride a bike, how to ride a home made skate board, how to play ball - my friend and buddy was fun to be around and he had a great family - little brothers (I remember Paul as a little toddler), a sweet little sister that I remember totally ignoring since she was my little sister's friend and so far out of my own age range (let's see, a good 3 years younger), and oh, there was the unforgetable Mrs. Dyer who scared the living daylights out of me!  I was in total awe of Keith's dad as a child and I think I was a little afraid of him too.  But I totally loved Keith's mom  - for the simple reason that she accepted me despite my being a girl and French and because she took me along with all the kids to see my very first cinematic movie.  I had no clue where we were going since I spoke no English, but everyone was happy and giggling and it sure sounded fun.  When we got to the Granada Theater and I was seated in those plush red seats, I was totally wowed by the experience. Then the curtains opened and the Sound of Music started. I still get chills when I recall that specific moment!  (To this day, it is still my all time favourite movie - I must have seen it dozens of times.) Thanks Jean for including me with your kids in your Saturday afternoon outings!  Time flew and kids became teens and we went to separate schools and made different friends, but we never ended our friendship despite everything.  Keith & I married real young - I now know that I had no clue what marriage was all about then, and I am sure that Keith didn't either. We just knew that we were in love and wanted to be together all the time. Today I would advise  anyone not to get married before 25 - and strangely enough, that is exactly what Keith's parents kept on repeating to us - they really knew what they were talking about! Gee I wonder why at the ripe old age of 18 I couldn't understand that!  But our marriage has that one magic ingredient that is key to any lasting relationship. We are first and foremost friends. We talk, we share, and we connect on so many levels.  We belong to each other, and we belong to our extended families. I have felt connected to the Gilletts for over 43 years - and for better of worse, they are as much my family as my own family is to me.  Happy Anniversary darling Keith (out there on some highway tonight)! And to my second family, thank you for being part of me - all of you have helped shape me from childhood to grandmotherhood.