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La Grande Soup

This is a remarkable story for Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrating my French and Irish heritage.

Who we are is defined by those who came before us, our ancestors.

My story's about just that. From time to time, I take myself off Consignment shopping. One of my favourite spots is the Millionaire's Daughter in Oakville. I derive great pleasure from meandering around their rooms, looking at all the beautiful merchandise, waiting for something to find me, and this day was no exception. Six beautiful wine glasses - with vintage French Roemer emerald green stems - were hiding in a cabinet in the back room.

The story below is about when I first drank from one of these special glasses with my family in a local restaurant in France. The glasses are now in my cabinet!  

I was never fortunate enough to know my grandparent's significant disadvantage as a child! Loving grandparents provide a young children with a tremendous asset to help them blossom and grow with confidence. It is said, ‘one could not miss what one never knew’, but I can testify that it is untrue. Over the years have yearned to learn more in-depth about who they were, their thoughts and desires, and how they lived. Was I like them in any way? I longed to understand their tastes, talents, passions, daydreams, and more. You can discover as much as possible. 

My mother was from Irish parents. They emigrated after the potato famine to Britain. My father was in France, born in Alsace Lorraine, as one of two sons. Very little information was available about his earlier life as I was growing up; however, whenever I was in company with someone who could share, I asked questions and gathered information.

Nineteen years ago, on my 50th birthday, my husband and I met with several family members in Dublin, Ireland. We spent a fantastic weekend celebrating our Irish heritage! Several of my family members toured southern Ireland for several days. We were not alone. After touring the Ring of Kerry (where it generally rains), we had a beautiful sunny window of time! Just as we finished our tour, it started to rain.

My brother and I, at the same time, said, “Look at the rainbow!” My brother and I were seeing opposite ends of the rainbow at the same time. 

Several years later, we arranged to meet another family in the mountains of Alsace Lorraine in France–exquisite. We toured through the village where my father was born and raised, eventually discovering the home he and his family lived in was now derelict, although it had a large garden. The neighbours were outside we asked them if they knew anything about the family. My brother speaks fluent French, and he could interpret as we stood together in the garden, the French and English.

As we continued to inquire about my grandparents and father, one of the people from the French family suggested they had an uncle who might remember more about our family history. 

Someone found the Uncle and brought him over, and to our astonishment, he remembered my grandmother as an accomplished chef. Miming the action of her stirring, he told us how she made “La Grande Soup”, and people came from all over the village to taste her soup. Our family has several chefs—all known for creating unique soups.

I had the privilege and honour to watch the others looking at him describe my grandmother. Observing my nieces as they listened, with tears, to the stories about their great-grandmother was mesmerising. There is no question in my mind that our grandmother joined us that day in her neighbour's backyard.

Later that evening, our family went to a local restaurant, where we shared traditional French food and drank the local wine from Roemer emerald glasses, the very same I found in Millionaire’s Daughter nearly two decades later. 

Godspeed Your Majesty

Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022, in Balmoral, Scotland, after reigning over us for 70 years, the only monarch most of us have ever known. As individuals, her people from across the world are mourning her loss.  I loved her quite simply, and I want to share this story. 

In November 2005, the Royal Command was performed in Cardiff, Wales, at the millennium Center in the presence of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

The Blue Man Group was one of the many varied and mirid evening performances. Our very own Matthew Banks had the honour to be one of the blue men performing for her Majesty. My English family and friends were glued to the telly that night, very excited! 

After the performance, Matthew shared with me in intricate detail his experience.

These are some of the highlights. 

Matthew shared it with me on the telephone from Wales the following day. 

“We had rehearsed for over one week with lots of jocularity with all the performers, particularly the American ones.

A regal hush fell upon the Millennium Center like a gentle blanket on the performance day.

When I first saw the Queen after our performance, she reminded me of my grandma in a tiara. Then she stood in front of me. I was overwhelmed by the majesty of her presence. I was aware I was gazing at a Queen, 1000 years of regal Royal history. It was one of the most amazing feelings of my life.”

I will always be so grateful for Matthew recounting this genuinely remarkable story. I realise this week there have been numerous stories and anecdotes shared, but today I want to share our story. Thank you, Matthew; we are so proud of you. 

Forever our most gracious sovereign and queen,

Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II  

May kings and queens of heaven greet you and herald your arrival with trumpets, bells and angels singing out welcome to Elizabeth the great.  

Rest in peace, your majesty, our one and only Elizabeth II. Godspeed, and thank you for everything.

Let Us Not Forget This Gentle Rocker