“Disassembling a myth—like destroying any refuge—is painful for everybody.”
—Toni Morrison

What my grandmother, Daneige, who lived in Alma, Quebec, liked was entertaining friends and family, playing cards until very late every night. My grandmother was a night owl. She played cards until 4:00 a.m. and would sleep until noon everyday. She would get up and often leave to go play bingo at the local joint and then later, she would host a group. Her house was always filled with loud people laughing, playing and having a blast. I remember her house as the party place. My mother resented her for so long for doing what she did, but that’s just how she was so my mother ended up forgiving her.

—Nadine Girard