Ma Tante Jeanne was great. While growing up, from the many times visiting at her home to visiting at the cottage, she was always a loving, caring person. She took great interest in the stories people had to tell and had some wonderful experiences in her life though I'm sure I don't know them all but when I was going to get married, there was one thing she said could not happen......I had to stay somewhere else the night before I got married.

I was living with my fiance and Tante Jeanne insisted that it was wrong for me to stay with my husband-to-be on the night before our wedding. She told me I was going to stay at her home, that it was bad luck to see my husband-to-be, while I was in my wedding dress, before I was walking down the aisle at the church. I was in disbelief that she felt so strongly about it but I listened and stayed with her that night. I hardly slept because of the life-changing event planned for the next day but the sleep that I did have was absolutely wonderful because of the love that I was experiencing from all my loving family that came together for us and the bed was very comfortable, warm and inviting. (Claudette was the only other one there for a big part of that night before the wedding and the next morning. We all laughed so much that our cheeks hurt.)

In the morning she seemed cool, calm and collected which I really appreciated because inside I was a wreck. I will never forgot the hug she gave me while she said in my ear "I love you my Little JoJo." Ah, but it didn't stop there.

In the weeks prior to the event, we were going to run away right after the wedding but she was adament that was not acceptable. I explained that we didn't have money to have a big ceremony or reception to which she replied "so, we can have a potluck dinner." She arranged the whole potluck at her house and told me she was happy to do that for us. I would have never thought that a reception could be a potluck meal but it was amazing. The love was deep all around us from the family and friends that attended and those that wanted to be there but couldn't. It was a wonderful day because of Tante Jeanne. I thanked her from the bottom of my heart for making our day extra special.

Tante Jeanne, you have always been an inspiration to me. Your strength to get through whatever was happening, your strong beliefs and your love of family and friends near and far. You are always in my heart and thoughts and prayers. I love you dearly.

Thank you for reading my story,

Joanne MacMillan (Ma Tante's Little JoJo)