Sylvie allard

I Remember You: A Conversation with Sylvie *Seth: Tell me about your brother Bruno and the relationship you shared.* **Sylvie:** Bruno was the oldest of four children. He became sick when he was young and spent a lot of time in the hospital, so he could not be as active as my other brothers. While they were often outside together, I became especially close to Bruno. We played cards and shared many quiet moments. He was calm, but social at the same time. I remember him more through those feelings and small moments than through one particular story. Eventually, the brain tumor took him. His funeral was the first funeral I ever attended and my first real experience with death. I was young, and it was hard to understand not only that I had lost my brother, but also why so many people were offering condolences. *Seth: You’ve said that Bruno still watches over you. What does that mean to you?* **Sylvie:** I truly feel that he is up there watching over us. There have been moments, including a car accident, when I felt something could have gone much worse and that Bruno had been taking care of us. There was also a time when I wanted something very important to happen. I prayed and asked Bruno to help make it happen, even though it felt like a long shot. It did happen. Moments like that make me feel close to him, even after all these years. *Seth: Are there particular moments when you feel his presence most strongly?* **Sylvie:** On my wedding day, while I was walking with my dad, I thought to myself, “Bruno is with us today.” He is always in the background of my life. He is not forgotten, and I still feel that he is part of our family. *Seth: How would the people closest to you describe you and your family?* **Sylvie:** I think they would describe me as quiet, but also social, active, patient, and adventurous. We are a very close family. When there is a family gathering, my brothers and I make a real effort to be together. At Christmas, we rent a cottage so we can all stay under the same roof for a few nights. Being together is very important to us. I think the closeness I shared with Bruno is still reflected in the way I value family now. *Seth: What brought Bruno’s story forward during the Dear World experience?* **Sylvie:** Dear World was part of a conference, and we were paired with another person and asked to share something personal. The person I was paired with shared a very personal story, and it brought me back to the greatest loss I had experienced. Writing “I remember you” felt like my way of speaking directly to Bruno. Having the photograph gave that message a place in the world. It meant a great deal to me. *Seth: What does the photograph mean to you now?* **Sylvie:** Life has been good to me. I still have both of my parents, I have been able to travel, and I spend time with them even though they live in Quebec and I live in Ontario. When I saw the photograph again, it brought back a warm feeling. The photograph is special because it reminds me that Bruno is still close to me. The message was simple: “I remember you.” After all these years, I still do. I’m grateful to Dear World for giving me a way to hold on to that message and share it.