A festive day ahead. Balloons and banners decorate the dining room in the main lodge of Domaine de la rivière Mistassini. For sure, this 10th day of July is the last of our expedition. But above all, this 10th day ofJuly is an important rite of passage for Catherine G.who turns 18! In the morning, the whole group gathers around the table early, before she gets there. Lungs at the ready. Here she comes. Loud and clear, the singing breaks out. She is surprised. She is beaming. She sits at the head of the large table, as on a throne, surrounded by balloons and her new friends. Amidst the aroma of toasting bread, there is an odor of true friendship.

Today, we visit the zoo. All aboard for the bus ride. St-Félicien, here we come! A mandatory stop, but most entertaining and enjoyable. We are treated to a multi-sensorial show in the theatre before our visit. We are introduced to the “Boréalie” (Northern territory) in a very realistic way. Snow falls and snakes nibble at our legs. The shouting is louder than at the Rapide du céleri (and its taste of 7-UP). Then, we’re off on the train ride. From our traveling cage, we see a prancing deer, a grazing buffalo, a magnificent moose, a honey of a bear, and prairie dogs. Time flies, we must be on our way.

Packing time before the evening meal. Cath G. gets a birthday card and a necklace. Then a food fight breaks out. Céline learns that it may not be a good idea to serve whipped cream with a birthday cake… Then, as tradition dictates on this last evening, we close the circle. Each participant, adult and young, must summarize the week in a single word. Strength. Blessing. Family. Test. Challenge. Diversity. Paddle. Living. Excitement. Spontaneity. Comfort. Amazement. Honor. Happiness. Privilege. Beauty. Support. Optimism. Astonishment. Serenity. Confidence. Love. Cheeks are wet. Eyes glisten. Hearts race. Arm in arm, the Gang of Nine is now one. Once united by tragedy, they now share this therapeutic adventure. For the rest of their lives. Thank you Mario. Thank you Héléna, JF, Bertrand, Martin, Karine. Thank you Alain, Alain, Céline. Most of all a HUGE THANK YOU to you, our young friends. You have made this one of the most beautiful weeks of my life. This adventure was therapeutic in more ways than one.