On August 14, many of Madeleine Page's friends gathered for a final farewell to her and to Emily the Goofhound Quadraped.

The setting was a rural area of Québec, about an hour and a half outside of Ottawa, at a country home where she had spent a lot of time.

Here are some images from the weekend.

The site: some views of the setting: A, B; the inukshuk before our ceremony and bewreathed afterwards; a general view from the site; parking for those who came; there were wild and cultivated flowers everywhere, so anytime we needed flowers, for the ceremony or for centerpieces, they were there, in abundance. Some of the out-of-towners stayed at the farmhouse; others of us stayed at a nearby nature preserve which, itself, provided some spectacular views; still others camped, some with all the comforts of home, including a brand new outhouse.

A canopy was set up for us to gather under. We told stories about Madeleine, and contemplated in silence. Diane, Will, and Emily; Marla, Stephan, and Paul. Madeleine and Emily's ashes.

A maple tree was to be planted in a carefully selected location, and a hole was dug by Will and Charles. The tree was planted and extensively watered and watered.

Then the children laid a fire (and rested!).

Caterers set up to roast lamb on a spit and chicken as well, along with many other wonderful dishes. After dinner (and to the horror of many of us!), Luce took Madeleine's PhD diploma and announced that all of us, her friends, owned part of it, and gave those present a piece. (Pieces were saved for some who were not in attendance as well.)

After dinner, the bonfire was lit and camp songs were sung. The stars were spectacular. It was very much the kind of weekend gathering that Madeleine would have loved. It was sad that she wasn't there, but heartwarming that she had so many friends who wanted to be there for a last farewell.

Some (other) people who were there, in no particular order:

Charles, Diane and Clive, Edward, the yoga teacher and Jean, Larry, Matthew and Amy, Nancy, Stephan and Paul, Will and Emily, William and Ian.

Respectfully submitted, Alice Faber