Mom's wish before she took off this morning (it could be custom fit to speak to any one of us, no matter our hearts desires!). Read to the end and find out. (Photo of Jules admiring the poireaux, or leeks, which went to seed, beautifully.)
décoller (day-ko-lay)
: to take off, to leave the ground (flight)
: to unstick, unglue, blast off
Dear Mom,
You look so happy in the above photo, but the truth is I have never seen you so blue. It was Monday, June 23rd, the night before your departure…
It was your idea to drag out the lawnchairs–including the chaise longue we found earlier, while dumpster diving. 🙂
"We can lie out and watch the stars!" you cheered, but the sadness in your eyes gave away your tristesse.
Chin up, chin up! Allez courage!
But you shot through the garden, and I ran after you, snapping these memories, "…until next year, when you return. It'll go by fast!" I swore over and over.
(By the way, there's the little green Aloe Vera sign, left, the one I made you promise to take when you ran into the store to buy me the soothing plant (this after my do-it-yourself skin peel left my nose all ablister! Next time I'll consider having the dermatologist remove the spots. Though I really do think that euphorbia peplus plant may be the ticket for my little problems!)
Overheard on the lawnchairs: "I just know the sunflowers are going to open the day you leave…."
"It doesn't matter, Honey. Just look at all the blooms we can see today! By the way, Honey, if you post my picture please tell everyone that Karen in Phoenix gave me this dress! She would be so please to see how it looks."
"I will Mom, I promise. And it looks beautiful on you." (Sniff. Sniff.)
Too bad that hose is in the picture. But there's no way I'm stopping to put the tuyau away–not when I can be enjoying every moment with Mom.
"Keep your eyes on the horizon, Honey, and never ever look back!"
"OK, Mom. And is there anything else you'd like to say before you leave?"
"Keep building your garden!"
* * *
I will, Mom. I'll do my best to keep busy with a valorisant pursuit, one I can share with others. But I'm going to need your to rescue more orphaned chairs to fill up the garden! So unpack those hiking boots–the ones you pulled out of the dumpster–and leave them here. You're going to need them next time we go treasure hunting!
Love,
Kristi
Post Note: Please send good thoughts to Jules. Her 9:30 a.m. flight was delayed when, suddenly, Air France's air traffic controllers went on strike! She has a long, long voyage ahead of her (now that her flight took off, or managed to décollé, two hours later than scheduled.
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Beautiful photos of a treasured time with your mother. It’s never enough, I know. Each moment passes by so swiftly, and we are left with memories until next time. Best wishes to you and Jules.
Beautiful photos of a treasured time with your mother. It’s never enough, I know. Each moment passes by so swiftly, and we are left with memories until next time. Best wishes to you and Jules.
Dear Kristin, So lovely your parting moments with Jules. You both are so lucky…I envy you your the beautiful relationship you share. Thank you for giving us a peek into your life and sharing those moments with all of us.
Hope that Jules’ flight was otherwise uneventful!
Best, bj
Dear Kristin, So lovely your parting moments with Jules. You both are so lucky…I envy you your the beautiful relationship you share. Thank you for giving us a peek into your life and sharing those moments with all of us.
Hope that Jules’ flight was otherwise uneventful!
Best, bj
This posting of yours gave me goose-bumps. It is so lovingly written. And the photos are priceless!!!
This posting of yours gave me goose-bumps. It is so lovingly written. And the photos are priceless!!!
YOUR MOTHER IS JUST GORGEOUS. I KNOW YOU WILL MISS EACH OTHER SO MUCH. I HOPE THE RETURN TIME COMES SOON. SHE SEEMS TO BE BREATHING IN THE LAST OF THE DELICOUS FRENCH AIR. I HAVE ENJOYED HER VISIT AS MUCH AS YOU HAVE. TWO BEAUTIFUL GIRLS. WONDERFUL
YOUR MOTHER IS JUST GORGEOUS. I KNOW YOU WILL MISS EACH OTHER SO MUCH. I HOPE THE RETURN TIME COMES SOON. SHE SEEMS TO BE BREATHING IN THE LAST OF THE DELICOUS FRENCH AIR. I HAVE ENJOYED HER VISIT AS MUCH AS YOU HAVE. TWO BEAUTIFUL GIRLS. WONDERFUL
Lovely story. I also wish my mom lived close to me and I am enjoying every minute of her summer visit here in the Northwest US.
For your skin, have you looked into sea buckthorn? It is a great plant remedy for a lot of skin issues, including cancer.
By the way, I hope your daughter is having a good time. My just turned 17 year old daughter is about to head to Nicaragua for 2 weeks with Witness for Peace. They grow up so fast!
Theresa
Lovely story. I also wish my mom lived close to me and I am enjoying every minute of her summer visit here in the Northwest US.
For your skin, have you looked into sea buckthorn? It is a great plant remedy for a lot of skin issues, including cancer.
By the way, I hope your daughter is having a good time. My just turned 17 year old daughter is about to head to Nicaragua for 2 weeks with Witness for Peace. They grow up so fast!
Theresa