While we were preparing for our departure, we learned that Orlando (Mauri), the brother of Marleyne’s dad, had died. His death follows that of Anna, his wife, by less than a month. We were very much saddened by this double loss. We were pleased, however, to be able to join the extended Mauri family in Montreal to a last farewell before our departure. It was wonderful and touching to meet Orlando’s large family and his friends, and to celebrate his life and his memories. To see pictures of Paul (Marleyne’s dad) and Orlando clowning around and to show off their fishing catch. Some sad memories, some funny ones…but that is life! That is Orlando. That is Anna. May both of them rest in peace!

L’un des aspects les plus difficiles de la croisière est sûrement l’éloignement de la famille et des amis restes au pays...on manque souvent des événements, des fêtes, des réunions parce qu’on est loin! Récemment, le frère de mon père, Orlando est décédé a l’age vénérable de 88 ans. Ceci est survenu une semaine a peine après celui de sa chère Anna. Malgré la tristesse causée par cette double perte, nous avons au moins été en mesure de prendre les dernières jours avant notre départ pour aller a Montréal nous recueillir avec la familia Mauri et pour dire adieu a Orlando et Anna.