A Letter to Perth-Andover
We had the privilege a decade ago to operate an Art business and to be part of the quaint Village of Perth Andover. The stay was far too brief, but as we exited, we took memories and friendships that would endure. We did get on with life, as one must, but recalling the breeze of the river water as we stood within the walls of the Gillett homestead’s screened porch never left. To this day we can feel the cool breeze wafted over our skin and the feeling of happiness and contentment.
On Sunday, March 2nd, out of the blue with our new temporary pass card, I said to Renee, “Let’s put our groceries away and take a ride to Perth Andover. As I passed over the border, a feeling of gratefulness and happiness overtook me, a tingling at first, and then a full burst of returning home swept over us. We slowly traveled the road to Perth-Andover, I moved over for every car to pass so that I could take it all in, not missing a moment. I had waited so long to be part of this again. As we passed houses and businesses, I could recall the faces of people and the engaging conversations and laughter we shared, some no longer with us.
We also felt such deep sadness, as we realized just how devastating the flood was to this warm and inviting community. We passed the home of Louise and Carolyn Stewart and as I saw the water stain on the curtain that still remained, we realized just how devastating the flood was. Ten years prior, we sat drinking tea at a beautiful table, on the finest of china, just behind the very same curtain. We passed Station Street, where we first started our art business, now gone.
I can still feel life where nothing is standing. I can still envision people walking from their businesses to talk and share smiles, the memory is priceless. We continued to drive through town, images rolling back a decade, walking from store to store conversing with people. My reason for writing is that through the hardship and sadness for our friends and the town, we noticed people with “Moxie,” still determined to rebuild their town and be a community.
We realized at that moment that it is that, which makes Perth Andover a marvel to be part of. Thank for the love you gave, the warm welcome and the support entrusted us while there. Possibly one day we might be able to return and once again experience what we were so freely given.
Our best to the community and our friends both living and passed. We hold all of you in our hearts.
Barbara Boucher and Renee O’Neill
Canterbury Royale Gourmet Dining Room in Fort Fairfield, ME.
