Lydia brings her life’s reminiscences to a close for the time being, bringing us up to the present day with some hard truths about the meaning of family – and trust. And she returns to the classroom where she began her teaching career, still sharing lessons with the children who grew up and, at home in retirement, still surrounded by youngsters eager to learn.

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Sister caused us some trouble at the store by wanting a used fridge in exchange for her old appliances, and when Jack wouldn’t make the trade, she became very angry and we broke off relationships with her. A lot of things were said on both sides, and as a result, Sister tried to have the matter of Jeff’s death reopened, causing us a lot of heartache.
I was terribly hurt by her actions and called Brother for advice, and as a result found out how badly they’d both mistreated Jeff. I was reassured by the police that the case would not be reopened because it was properly investigated and ruled an accident, so I felt better, but my feelings for Sister had so hardened that I just couldn’t forgive her. She, on the other hand, soon forgot what she’d tried to set in motion, and called me as if nothing had happened, but I couldn’t warm up to her, and although she will always be my sister, I no longer care to be associated with her.

Tim called me in January 2002 to tell me he was now a father of a baby girl, Silvia. I was so thrilled, and sent off a card and gift. Although I have never met this latest great-niece, I receive her pictures and write to her. Tim is the only one of the four children to still be on good terms with his parents, and for their sake, I hope things remain that way. Brother once told me that he couldn’t see why the other three wouldn’t bother with him, and although I knew, I just didn’t know how to tell him.

That same year I was surprised and honoured to be recognised by the Ontario 4-H and the Canadian Governor General with a Golden Jubilee Medal, on the occasion of the Queen’s 50th anniversary on the throne.
Many of my 4-H children received the highest award that the Ontario 4-H could give to its members, a limited-edition print for completing 24 projects. The last group of six to receive the prints was also the last club I held.

In 2003 Irvin called to say he’d met a girl and become engaged. I was so pleased for him, and in the fall he brought her home to meet us. Charlotte was a beautiful girl who suited Irvin very well, and in November we drove to Thunder Bay to attend their wedding.

With Irvin married I thought my problems with him were over, but he was still the same, and after one particular phone call he stopped calling. I wrote several times but received no answer, so I decided to leave him alone until he was ready to communicate with me.

We finally found a buyer for the store and had a big sale to get rid of the stock, bringing what we couldn’t sell to keep on the farm. Amanda and Ashley were visiting when we were clearing out the store, and they were both a big help to us. I was relieved not to have to go to work every day, but Jack found it difficult to adjust to staying at home. His duties as Reeve still kept him busy, and he continued doing service calls, as well as installing dishes. He now decided that he didn’t want to run for re-election, and in the fall of ’04 retired from that job as well.

The township council hosted a big party to thank him for his 37 years of service, and he was presented with several certificates from the government and local authorities. In the photo he’s been congratulated by the man who succeeded him in the office.

He also missed his twice-weekly council meetings, but soon settled into his full-time retirement.

Then I got nostalgic about my first teaching position and the children I’d taught, so I contacted the Georgetown newspaper and asked if I could send them a picture of the first graduating class and see if I could find some of the students.

Someone called me, and soon a story appeared in the paper, bringing quite a few e-mails and phone calls my way. Some former students still lived in Georgetown, some elswehere around southern Ontario, but quite a few were scattered all over Canada, the United States and even overseas. I corresponded with several of them, catching up on the news of their lives, and I keep in contact with some by e-mail, but my most memorable student now lives in Thailand.

That’s Paul, the main “Dorsey” in Dorseyland, with his family in Bangkok. He’s the one who has encouraged and inspired me to continue writing my life story, and it’s to him I owe my greatest thanks.

My life is now quite tranquil, with just Jack and I puttering around the farm. I still plant a large garden and look after the many fruit plants and trees I have, but I now enjoy just being at home.

Ashley and Amanda, now both in their teens, still enjoy coming for visits in the summer and are now bringing their friends up as well. Here they are at Ashley’s Grade 8 graduation. I don’t mind, and as long as they feel comfortable here, I’ll continue having them.

There are young twins across the road, a boy named Marshall and a girl, Nicole, and I have them over to play, watch videos and sleep over, so we still have children around.

Jack still does the occasional electronics repairs, but he now enjoys just working in his garage, fixing cars or doing much-needed work around the house. We have many friends who spend holidays and other occasions with us, and Jack’s brother visits each year, spending quality time with him. Rose, Jack’s niece, lives in town and is very close to us as well, so we never lack for company. We lead a fairly quiet life, but enjoy what we do, and each day brings new challenges that we look forward to. As long as both of us are healthy and continue as we are, life will be good, and we will be looking forward to new adventures for as long as we’re able.

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This concludes Lydia’s autobiography (for now, that is), and I hope everyone who’s been reading it has enjoyed it every bit as much as I have, but I know she’s got more wonderful tales to share. Seeing someone else’s life unfold over the years in this way can’t help but broaden our perspective on our own. In every joy and heartbreak, even encapsulated as they are here in so few chapters, there’s a marvellous glimpse of the greater meaning behind our daily, weekly and monthly experiences. I’m certainly looking forward to more such lessons from a marvellous lady – who’s still my teacher. – Paul Dorsey

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All the previous chapters: Part 1 @ Part 2 @ Part 3 @ Part 4 @ Part 5 @ Part 6 @ Part 7 @ Part 8 @ Part 9 @ Part 10 @ Part 11 @ Part 12 @ Part 13 @ Part 14 @ Part 15 …

… and the saga continues: @ Part 17