Mom & Paul

My mom and her ex-husband Paul have a curious relationship. They married, had a kid, divorced, and then continued to live together while she had relationships (and children) with other men. She had two kids, my sister Sara and I, then he eventually moved out, but they still maintained a close relationship. From what I can tell, they never really seemed to separate. It kind of confused me growing up. I was bored so I decided to ask them some questions... (they didn't really get me anywhere.)

Port au Prince circa 1982

Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

Paul: Toronto. East end

Mom: Haiti. I live Jacmel. I live on a mountain with my grandmother grandfather. Coque Chante. When I was six, I was movin' to Port au Prince. 

Did you ever imagine yourself with someone like Madeline?

Paul: No not really. She was a surprise.

Mom: Nah. (smiles) 

How did you meet?

Paul: Mmmm.

Mom: Paul forget! Le Lambi.


Paul: Yeah.

Mom: I meet Paul in a night club. Place they call Le Lambi. Night club hotel. Maine, past Carrefoure, Port au Prince. Paul used to go there every year

What were you doing there?  

Mom: I go for walk, with a friend.



What happened?

Mom: Mmmm. (smiles) He buy me food and drink. I take him to my place, and next day he take me to the consul. He want me to come to Canada. He apply for visa.

How would you describe your relationship with her?

Paul: Great.

How did separating change your relationship?

Paul: It got better. We just got involved with each other.

How do you feel about each other now?

Paul: I love her.

Mom: I dunno. I feel sorry. I feel sorry he sick. I miss him.


What do you miss about him?

Mom: (laughs) He used to come here (her house) every afternoon. Dinner time. He used to come here with some bag. Now he can't do that no more.

How would you like to see your relationship progress?

Paul: It’s good the way it is.

Mom: I like to see him movin' back with me. Live together.

What is the most important thing you have learned about life until now?

Paul: That love is great.

Mom: I dunno. (laughs) My kids growin' up, I gettin' old. Paul in Nursing home, life change. I'm broke. I'm broke but I'm happy.

Toronto circa 2010

Paul Dylan is 74 years old. He resides in Cedar Terrance Nursing home in Toronto. He was born and raised in eastend Toronto. He was my moms first husband, with whom she had my sister Naomi. 

My mom, Madeline Dylan, born Madeline Antoine resides the Lawrence Heights area of Toronto, also known as “The Jungle”. She has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression, also know known to some as a form of shamanistic crisis.


Moon