The spirit of the Three Pines community

Legends and myths relayed tales of Anne Lamarque and other women who were accused of being witches being banished to the forests across the river from Montreal. It was thought that possibly these women had survived the dangers of the wilderness and were the founders of Three Pines. “Three Pines was a safe place, they’d declared. Not safe from hurt or pain. Not from illness and accident and death. What the village in the valley offered was a place to heal. It offered company and companionship, in life and at the end of life. It offered a surefire cure for loneliness. Like the women who were fleeing for their lives, almost everyone in the village now had come there to find a safe haven.” After recovering from the life threatening events with Fleming that occurred in their home, the Gamache family returned to the open, loving arms of the villagers in Three Pines. They were home again where their recovery would continue as they began the process of living without fear. Coping with and healing from tragedies is always easier with the help of friends and family. I can still feel my daughter’s hand on my shoulder that freezing winter morning of my father’s funeral. It was that simple gesture on her part that reminded me that I would get through this loss, I didn’t have to do it alone, I would survive the grief. My daughter was my Three Pines.

Hands down, the work of the villagers that Libby Baker describes to make Armand and Reine-Marie’s home a home for them again after its desecration by Fleming gets my vote for the sprit of Three Pines. After that, I think the scene that inspired me was the celebration of Harriet and Fiona’s graduation. Between the food, the description of the kids and their antics, the bonfire and even the dancing (where we are introduced to the Mongeau’s and Sylvie’s illness and the offers of support from Myrna, Clara and even Ruth) Three Pines welcome of all and hospitality is evident. And Myrna, Clara and Ruth also respect Sylvie’s wish for privacy regarding her health, still extending the friendship she accepts. These are things I can offer as well.

“I (Harriet) felt safe here, for the first time in my life. Not physically. I knew that bad things can happen, do happen, anywhere. She looked at the bouquet of white roses on the banquet table. Then she looked around at the homes and shops. At the three huge pines. Bad things can happen even here. . . . But I knew if something did happen. I’d be okay. Because I wasn’t alone.”