Grandson and Grandfather | Colocs accomplices in front of the test

Laurent Hubert has always loved his grandfather Célestin. This is why, the day after his grandmother’s serious accident, the 19-year-old young man chose to go live with his 83-year-old hero to help him overcome his grief. A story of complicity and compassion.

The tragedy occurred on January 25. The grandmother, Colette, lost her balance on the stairs leading to the basement. She was still conscious when Célestin found her lying at the bottom of the steps. However, she no longer felt her body. The diagnosis was brutal: fracture of the vertebral column with damage to the spinal cord.

For this active octogenarian, academic in occupational therapy, the prospect of living paralyzed from the neck down was intolerable. A month after the accident, she requested a cessation of treatment. She passed away a few hours later.

“She announced her decision to me on a Wednesday. She wanted it to be done on Friday. I asked him why do it so fast. She said to me: “You are right, it will be Saturday”, recalls Célestin Hubert, a slight smile on his lips, looking up at his grandson to overcome the emotion.

Sitting in the family residence of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, the time of a silence, the two men exchange glances filled with recognition and benevolence. Since his grandmother’s accident, Laurent has been there to support his grandfather in the ordeal. “I accepted his offer to come and live with me as soon as he offered it to me,” says the old man.

“I knew that Célestin needed help because of his deafness and his sore hands,” explains the young law student at the Université de Montréal. I have also lived in this house for a few days, all alone. I know how quickly you feel the loneliness there. I thought it would be difficult for him. »

The cohabitation was to last, at the beginning, only the time of the convalescence of Colette. But the abyssal void left by his departure only amplified the need for a constant presence.

“The simple fact of being said hello and finding out about each other is precious. As long as we stay in agreement, there is no deadline, ”slips Célestin Hubert, very gently, like a wish.

Mourning and memories

The close relationship between Célestin and Laurent is not new. It is rooted in the countless little moments of the ordinary that marked the grandson’s youth. “I was often here when I was younger,” confides Laurent, glancing around.

Célestin confirms: “Laurent was very close to Colette. When we’re together, he often tells me, “Grandma would do it this way.” His memories help me grieve. This is how we accept the absence of the one we love. By recalling his presence”, confides the man who wanted, not very long ago, to celebrate in style the 53^e anniversary of life together with the love of his life.

“With champagne and oysters from the Magdalen Islands, like at our wedding! Colette loved champagne, ”recalls the native of Havre-aux-Maisons, who has always kept his singing accent.

Memories of his grandmother, Laurent has his head full. When he was a schoolboy, he used to come to this house for dinner every Friday. He came back to do his homework on this same kitchen table before going to the meetings of his scout troop, in the basement of the nearby church.

Added to all these little daily moments are unexpected visits, just for the pleasure of dropping by and saying hello. The years have thus passed carelessly.

And one day, it was quite naturally to Laurent that his grandmother turned to come and keep his grandfather company during a trip to the North Shore. This first cohabitation has forged many ties. “We get on well,” admits Célestin.

“Laurent is a boy full of empathy. He has a fine ear and he has good reflexes. He quickly understands what the other needs. He is brave, and he does not break the dishes, ”continues the former Radio-Canada journalist, tongue-in-cheek.

With an air of complicity, Laurent immediately takes the ball.

The apple obviously didn’t fall very far from the tree. Through his studies in law, Laurent Hubert manages to work in a legal clinic, to work at the local primary school and also to put on his scout leader’s shirt every Monday. “I am inspired by the values ​​of my grandfather. I learn by talking to him,” he says, shrugging his shoulders.

Youth Center

Laurent’s many occupations bring a breath of youth to Célestin’s house. The dining room quickly became a meeting and study room for the boy’s classmates.

“Many of my friends don’t get to see their grandparents very often. They are surprised to be able to have dinner with my grandpa, and they love it! says Laurent, very proud of Célestin’s generosity.

“The other day, he arrived with two kilos of mussels, bread, pâtés and cheese for everyone”, continues the young man, still amused by the bewildered look of his friends. “You should have seen the graduating dinner he organized at the end of my CEGEP! »

Obviously, the old man appreciates the passage of these young people in his house. It is a joy, he says, to watch the aspirations of the younger generation blossom. “The widow of a friend of mine who died recently will have to sell her house. Loneliness is an issue for lonely old people. I advised him to find someone. Like Laurent”, concludes the grandfather.