The Lowe Down

Letters from Fort Mac - Gerard Lowe

Dear Mary,
Sorry it has taken me so long to write. Life is very hectic here in Fort McMurray. We finally found an apartment to live in after sleeping on Sophie’s floor for the month of October. Not much of an apartment. Two bedrooms. Ryan and Jeffrey have to share a room. They have lots of fights about having to share a bed but they are making the best of it. You don’t get much here for $1200 a month.

I found a job as a Cleaner at the oil management office. Seems like a long way from splitting fish at the plant in Broad Bay. I would give anything right now to be standing next to you and Cathy on the line while we talk about our children and plan for the time at the lodge on Friday night. Many nights while drinking my tea or laying in bed I think about what you and the girls are doing. Are you out for a walk together or having a fish dinner with the family? Maybe you’re playing darts or running up to the shop for a can of milk and a chat with Joanne. She loves to talk. It used to irritate me, but now I would dearly endure it.

It’s not all bad I guess. John is quite happy to be working all the time. He is putting in anywhere from 50-70 hours a week counting overtime. I don’t see as much of him as I would like but the bills have to be paid. Can’t really plan to do much because he never knows when he is going to be working extra time. His chest is puffed out a chicken who just ate the worm.

The boys like their school. John Hedderson’s kids are living close by and are in some of the boys classes. We thought there might be some adjustment there because of the size of the school but there are a lot of Newfoundland kids who can relate to their situation and they are fitting in pretty good. Had to get used to a lot of new things. Too much traffic to ride their bikes safely and no place to go and skip rocks on the water or build a camp in the woods.

I really worry a lot about mom and dad. Still can’t relieve myself of the guilt of leaving them behind. Wanted them to come with us but dad would have no part of it. Says he would rather smell salt water than sulphur. He tried to make light of things for us by saying that if we could fit his punt in the car he would be glad to go with us.

My biggest concern is mom. Her forgetfulness was getting worse during the summer. I know that dad covers up for her a lot. On one occasion it took her a couple of minutes to recognize me when I picked her up for bingo. She pretended well until she got her bearing but I could see the doubt and fear in her eyes. Brother Jim tells us that he is keeping a good eye on them, but I know he is not telling me the whole story. If the fishery continues to dwindle I expect him and Emily to be bunking with us by spring. Mom and dad will have little support then. The guilt consumes me.

I hope that things improve with you and Martin. He is obviously frustrated by having to work on the “project” but maybe they will get a buyer for the plant. Be patient with him. He is such a hard worker and wants the best for his family. I can remember John cursing about having to work on the brush cutting project. He would send me to pick up his checks because he considered the money “fool’s pay”. That was what finally forced his hand about coming to Fort MaC..

Had a really good time on Friday night. John and I went to “The Newfoundland Club”. Ran into a lot of old friends and made a lot of new ones. Was great to kick up my heels to a little Harry Hibbs and The Irish Descendants. Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellas are playing here the middle of next month. John said that there is nothing going to stop him from attending that. I suspect we will sing along and cry about all the things we miss about home. Saltwater Joys will empty my tearducts.

Well that’s all for now Mary. Thanks for being there for me during the tough times. Hopefully the future is bright for all of us. God knows we’ve had our hard times. You are far from my by miles but close to my heart. You were my best friend since the day you punched Timmy Dawe in the face because he took my popsicle. Good times. Remember, you can take the girls out of the bay, but you can’t take the bay out of the girl.

Love always,

Jenny