Enter to win this French holiday CD (pictured below)
Simply tell me a favorite song of yours here in the comments.
My mother-in-law might say "something by Elvis or Gainsbourg." That's her, right, in Nyons. Look at those trusty shoes she is wearing–the last thing I packed for her before the firemen whisked her away, yesterday! Read on.
tomber (tohm-bay)
: to fall
Audio: Listen to Jean-Marc MP3 or Wav
Depuis son retour de la clinique, Michèle-France est tombée quatre fois dans son appartement.
Since her return from the clinic, Michèle-France has fallen four times in her apartment.
Tis The Season… Already?
Yesterday, at the bakery to buy croissants for my mother-in-law, I saw a tray samples beside the cash register. The famous pompe à l'huile cake was on display and for the taking! Reaching for a slice, the scent of fleur d'oranger reminded me of Christmas with our French family. (Cousin, Sabine makes the famous "olive oil cake".) I will need to get this recipe for you (can't wait? Find it on page 254 of this book, of all books or free on the internet). Meantime, here is a lovely CD to set the mood….
WIN THIS CD!
To enter to win this CD, simply tell me your favorite song here in the comments box.
French Christmas Music: "Mon Beau Sapin", "Saint Nuit", "La Marche des Rois", "Petite Ville Bethléem", "Il est né Le Divin Enfant". Order CD here or enter to win it when you tell me your favorite song here in the comments.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
"A Hunger for Life"
Arriving at my mother-in-law's for our breakfast date, I was unable to enter her apartment building. I'd forgotten the secret numbers to la digicode box, that push-buttoned "Open Sesame!" on the wall beside the entrance.
When Michèle-France did not answer her phone, I waded through the scratchy buissons beside the entrance and peered into her living room window. That's when I saw my mother-in-law lying motionless on the floor!
"C'est moi! C'est moi!" I shouted, tapping on the window, but my mother-in-law could not turn to see me. Recognizing my voice she struggled to remember her digicode number–and succeeded!
I typed the four digits and hurried into the bâtiment, expecting to find the next door open (my husband had told his mother to quit locking her door–in case of an emergency like this one–the fourth time she'd fallen since returning from the clinic).
Manque de chance! Michèle-France's door was locked!
"The keys are on the door!" my mother-in-law insisted, straining to carry her voice.
"No, there are no keys on the door!" I repeated, carefully eyeing all three keyholes and running my fingers over them as a personal sanity check. I looked everywhere, pausing only to concentrate. Keep calm and the keys will appear!
So much for calm. Instinct kicked in and I flung myself at the door, once, twice, three times….
Running back outside I began forcing the windows. Flimsy as they were they would not give! I ran around to the side of the building and began yanking the metal shutters of her bedroom. I could almost pry them open but for an out-of-reach latch.
Returning to the front windows I shouted to my mother-in-law not to worry, but we would have to call the fire department. This was a last resort–for my mother-in-law would have preferred to keep this latest slip between the two of us. She was desperate not to return to the clinic, which is where her worried family would send her after this morning's chute.
On my tiptoes I peered back through the window and saw my mother-in-law had managed to turn her head. I smiled back at her, throwing kisses through the glass that separated us. Her face lit up and I assured her I'd be right back.
Now… what was the French version of 911? The numbers finally came to mind for the emergency call but try as I might I could not dial 17. Instead 177 kept appearing on my mobil phone screen. I tried to steady my hands and on the fourth attempt I heard a French woman's voice. I'd dialed the police department!
"Désolée! I meant to dial the pompiers," I explained.
The woman assured me not to worry and began the questioning. Where was I calling from? What was my name? Was my mother-in-law alive?
Alive?
I ran back up to the window, knowing perfectly well the answer. "Oui!"
"OK," the officer said. The police are on their way, but you will need to contact the fire department. Dial 18….
"We just need the pompiers–not the police!"
The officer assured me this was protocol on hung up. Hands steady this time, I dialed les pompiers. Five minutes later a team of three firefighters, two men and one woman, was standing outside my mother-in-law's bedroom window. They pulled on thin white gloves and began prying open the metal shutters, this time with success!
Luckily the bedroom window was open and one of the pompiers jumped through it to open the front door. Next, the police arrived (all three of them, including one woman) and began interrogating me.
Your name? Your birthdate? Your telephone? Your address? Where were you born?
"The Philippines," I answered, keeping an eye on my mother-in-law, who answered "Maroc",or Morocco, for her birthplace. She was being interrogated too–by the fire department. They had lifted her off the cold floor and set her gently into her chair.
I noticed how tenderly the firefighters handled my mother-in-law, whose humor kicked in as she began flirting with the youngest member of the team. Those handsome French uniforms! But I cringed when they responded to her with "ma petite dame" and other terms of endearment that, to a strong-willed woman like my mother-in-law, translated to "LITTLE OLD LADY!"
Looking closely, she appeared to be another, weaker person. But this was owing to the absence of her teeth. I hurried to the bathroom to get them for her–the moment she asked for them.
And her hair… She had always kept it up–along with her nails–fiesty-fiesty red! Her hair was dyed a more delicate shade–strawberry. But lately, her hairdresser was not returning her calls, not since she asked for a favor: could he make one exception and do a house call?
"She will need a change of underwear, " the female firefighter said, waking me from my seat at the hair salon. I had been watching my mother-in-law getting all dolled up in the next swivel chair…. until it all disappeared to the present moment. There she sat, barefoot and sparsely dressed. Her snowwhite hair reminding me of the underwear I needed to be getting.
"J'y vais! I'm going to get them!" I answered the firefighter, hurrying to my mother-in-law's bedroom to grab the culottes … when the phone rang. It was my husband. Only, just as soon as I heard his voice, my own began to crack. No words would come out.
"I'm on my way," Jean-Marc said.
It was stupid and indulgent to cry when everything was going so well. Things could have been so much worse! Jean-Marc arrived almost at the same time as the auxiliaire de vie, or care assistant, who was scheduled to see my mother-in-law that morning. Now the apartment teamed with 10 unexpected guests. And then the neighbors passed by, casually peeking past the front door where my mother-in-law sat completely exposed.
After I hurried to shut the door, the room hummed even louder with all the questioning by the various municipal workers, who were all going beyond the call of duty. So much so that my mother-in-law began to unbridle her heart–telling her full story to anyone who would listen: "All those months in the hospital. Then the clinic. All that physical therapy. FOR THIS! I've been lying on the floor for 4 hours. Let me tell you–all you young'uns–getting old SUCKS!"
No, she didn't really say those last three unseemly words, but she was thinking it. I could see it in her eyes as a blanket was thrown over her lap and the professionals cooed, "Dear little old lady, all will be well!"
* * *
All alone in the apartment–my mother-in-law having been carted off in a wheelchair, followed by an entourage of helpers, I looked around nostalgically. I recognized all the framed photos of family, the wooden armoire with the carved doors, the favorite watercolors by her artist friend. In a cut crystal vase the branches of bruyère I'd brought last fall were dried up and colorless. I had the urge to stuff them in the garbage like a menacing note.
I took off my coat and rolled up my sleeves. My husband had left the keys and I would lock up just as soon as the dishes were done and the bed was made. This time I wasn't going to leave my belle-mère's apartment in disarray. Not like the last time when chaos hit so suddenly.
Hanging the kitchen towel to dry I noticed the sacks of croissants I had brought for our breakfast date. They were still sitting on the window sill where I'd dropped them before trying to break into the apartment.
But one of the sacks was missing….
An image of a fireman running back to the building crossed my mind. So that is what he'd come back for–her breakfast. In all the haste my mother-in-law managed to remember that buttery, rich croissant! Chances are she will be just fine–as long as she keeps that hunger for life.
COMMENTS
To leave a comment or to read one, click here. And tell me your favorite song to enter to win the Fernch CD, mentioned earlier!
French Vocabulary
le buisson = shrub, bush
le bâtiment = building
manque de chance = no luck
désolé(e) = sorry
la chute = fall
le pompier = firefighter
la culotte = panties (U.S.) knickers (U.K.)
auxiliaire de vie = home health aid, care assistant
la bruyère = heather
la belle-mère = mother-in-law
You may wonder why I've been busy transplanting dozens of strawberry plants. Because my family loves un bon milk-shake à la fraise (the healthy kind). If you haven't gotten a Nutribullet yet, please consider this one here. And this model, right here, is priced lower than the one pictured above. A perfect holiday gift for my mother-in-law. Now to get her back out of that clinic!
When you shop for anything at Amazon, entering the store via one of the links in this letter or at the blog, your purchase helps support this free word journal. Merci beaucoup!
* * *
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“Il est né Le Divin Enfant”. I have so many warm memories of singing French Christmas carols with my family. My grandmother- “Mamie”, played the organ in her small parish church and “Papie” sang in the choir.
“Il est né Le Divin Enfant”. I have so many warm memories of singing French Christmas carols with my family. My grandmother- “Mamie”, played the organ in her small parish church and “Papie” sang in the choir.
Not sure when you ask for a favorite song if you just mean Christmas songs or French songs in general. I find Petit Papa Noel absolutely charming and a song that captures the magic of the holiday. And for non holiday songs, while there are so many wonderful French songs, I love La Belle Histoire d’Amour (Piaf) which is so emotionally charged with a beautiful refrain.
Hope your mother in law recuperates fast. It’s a worry when the elderly begin to fall. Keep us posted
Not sure when you ask for a favorite song if you just mean Christmas songs or French songs in general. I find Petit Papa Noel absolutely charming and a song that captures the magic of the holiday. And for non holiday songs, while there are so many wonderful French songs, I love La Belle Histoire d’Amour (Piaf) which is so emotionally charged with a beautiful refrain.
Hope your mother in law recuperates fast. It’s a worry when the elderly begin to fall. Keep us posted
My favorite Christmas song is Carol of the Bells.
My favorite Christmas song is Carol of the Bells.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” is a favorite Christmas song of mine. I am a Police & Fire dispatcher, I take those kinds of calls often. I hope your mother-in-law recovers quickly.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” is a favorite Christmas song of mine. I am a Police & Fire dispatcher, I take those kinds of calls often. I hope your mother-in-law recovers quickly.
I hope your mother-in-law recuperates swiftly and well. I’m glad you were there for her.
My current favorite Christmas song is a beautiful contemporary carol called “Chariots” sung by the group Nowell Sing We Clear. The last verse is especially powerful.
“As a candle can conquer the demons of darkness
As a flame can keep frost from the deepest of cold
So a song can give hope in the depths of all danger
And a line of pure melody soar in your soul
So sing your songs well and sing your songs sweetly
And swear that your singing it never shall cease
So the clatter of battle and drums of disaster
Be drowned in the sound of the pipes of peace”
I hope your mother-in-law recuperates swiftly and well. I’m glad you were there for her.
My current favorite Christmas song is a beautiful contemporary carol called “Chariots” sung by the group Nowell Sing We Clear. The last verse is especially powerful.
“As a candle can conquer the demons of darkness
As a flame can keep frost from the deepest of cold
So a song can give hope in the depths of all danger
And a line of pure melody soar in your soul
So sing your songs well and sing your songs sweetly
And swear that your singing it never shall cease
So the clatter of battle and drums of disaster
Be drowned in the sound of the pipes of peace”
My favorite Christmas tune is “The Holly and The Ivy”. I don’t even know if it has words – I’m sure it must but over the years I’ve only ever heard an instrumental version. However, “Ave Maria” will always bring tears to my eyes and I never tire of hearing it. What a hair-raising day you had! But you came through it like a champ (as did you mother-in-law)and I’ll bet you never forget the French version of 911. Aren’t we glad we don’t have days like that very often?!
My favorite Christmas tune is “The Holly and The Ivy”. I don’t even know if it has words – I’m sure it must but over the years I’ve only ever heard an instrumental version. However, “Ave Maria” will always bring tears to my eyes and I never tire of hearing it. What a hair-raising day you had! But you came through it like a champ (as did you mother-in-law)and I’ll bet you never forget the French version of 911. Aren’t we glad we don’t have days like that very often?!
Feeling for you and your family as you go through the trials of parents aging. My favorite song is “Mon Beau Sapin”,.
Feeling for you and your family as you go through the trials of parents aging. My favorite song is “Mon Beau Sapin”,.
I’m absolutely overcome with nostalgia was soon as November finishes. And the music just adds to my mood. My favorite Christmas song is “Cantique de Noel/O Holy Night”.
A great version here (with Elina Garanca and Juan Diego Florez):
I’m absolutely overcome with nostalgia was soon as November finishes. And the music just adds to my mood. My favorite Christmas song is “Cantique de Noel/O Holy Night”.
A great version here (with Elina Garanca and Juan Diego Florez):
My wish is for a speedy recovery for your dear mother-in-law. My favorite song is “Here Comes Santa Claus sung by Elvis.
My wish is for a speedy recovery for your dear mother-in-law. My favorite song is “Here Comes Santa Claus sung by Elvis.
It’s not easy to choose just one, but perhaps it is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”….a sad but lovely song. There were many Christmases when I could not be home. Warm wishes for your Belle Mere’s rapid and complete recovery. Such a blessing that you arrived when you did. Falls can be devastating for the elderly.
It’s not easy to choose just one, but perhaps it is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”….a sad but lovely song. There were many Christmases when I could not be home. Warm wishes for your Belle Mere’s rapid and complete recovery. Such a blessing that you arrived when you did. Falls can be devastating for the elderly.
Oh, how I hope your mother in law is okay. This happened several times with my mom and I was always impressed with the rescue squad members who attended her. One was even a former 5th grade student of hers.
My favorite Christmas song is Joy to the World – Joyeux Noel (hehehe – probably the only one I know the French for, too. Thank you for the chance to win the CD.
Oh, how I hope your mother in law is okay. This happened several times with my mom and I was always impressed with the rescue squad members who attended her. One was even a former 5th grade student of hers.
My favorite Christmas song is Joy to the World – Joyeux Noel (hehehe – probably the only one I know the French for, too. Thank you for the chance to win the CD.
“christmas wrapping” by THE WAITRESSES
“christmas wrapping” by THE WAITRESSES
Sending healing wishes for your mother in law. How wonderful that you were in the right place at the right time to help! It feels so hard for me to balance my aging parent’s wish for independence with my own need to feel they are safe. When you share stories like this, I think we can learn from each other. It made me smile that she remembered the fresh croissants!
As for Christmas carols, I think my favorite French one is Un Flambeau Jeannette Isabelle. As for English carols, there are more than I can count. There is always something deeply satisfying about belting out the Gloria’s in Oh Come All Ye Faithful on Christmas Eve.
Sending healing wishes for your mother in law. How wonderful that you were in the right place at the right time to help! It feels so hard for me to balance my aging parent’s wish for independence with my own need to feel they are safe. When you share stories like this, I think we can learn from each other. It made me smile that she remembered the fresh croissants!
As for Christmas carols, I think my favorite French one is Un Flambeau Jeannette Isabelle. As for English carols, there are more than I can count. There is always something deeply satisfying about belting out the Gloria’s in Oh Come All Ye Faithful on Christmas Eve.
I hope your mother in law has a speedy recovery. I’ll keep her in my prayers. As for carols, it’s so had to choose, but is have to say silent night is at the top of my list. Hearing that sing brings back some wonderful memories of past holidays.
Thanks for offering a lovely giveaway!
I hope your mother in law has a speedy recovery. I’ll keep her in my prayers. As for carols, it’s so had to choose, but is have to say silent night is at the top of my list. Hearing that sing brings back some wonderful memories of past holidays.
Thanks for offering a lovely giveaway!
Silver Bells!
Silver Bells!
On this CD my favorite is “Il est ne Le Divin Enfant”. In other carols my favorite is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day or Good King Wenceslas. Kristin, I hope your dear Mother-in-law is feeling better today. It is truly not for sissies, growing old. You all must be strong, calm & sympathique for her. I’ve been there with my Mama on the floor, getting there now oi-meme.
On this CD my favorite is “Il est ne Le Divin Enfant”. In other carols my favorite is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day or Good King Wenceslas. Kristin, I hope your dear Mother-in-law is feeling better today. It is truly not for sissies, growing old. You all must be strong, calm & sympathique for her. I’ve been there with my Mama on the floor, getting there now oi-meme.
O Holy Night
O Holy Night
Pat a Pan ( tu ra lu ra luuuu, pat a pat a pan, au son de son tambourin..) So fun to sing with a festive but haunting melody.
Pat a Pan ( tu ra lu ra luuuu, pat a pat a pan, au son de son tambourin..) So fun to sing with a festive but haunting melody.
Aaahhh. What a story! Please tell your strong, wonderful mother-in-law (not little old lady!) that Claire (who is 80) and her daughter (me) in Toronto are wishing her well. Claire had hip surgery this year and knows exactly what she means!! Hugs, warm wishes for great health and a sense of humour on those days when things are painful or grim.
xo
Aaahhh. What a story! Please tell your strong, wonderful mother-in-law (not little old lady!) that Claire (who is 80) and her daughter (me) in Toronto are wishing her well. Claire had hip surgery this year and knows exactly what she means!! Hugs, warm wishes for great health and a sense of humour on those days when things are painful or grim.
xo
Mary Did You Know?
It’s even more beautiful sung by cette petite fille 🙂
Mary Did You Know?
It’s even more beautiful sung by cette petite fille 🙂
One of my favourite Christmas songs is Little Drummer Boy.
Hope your m-i-l is feeling better.
One of my favourite Christmas songs is Little Drummer Boy.
Hope your m-i-l is feeling better.
Kristin, J’oublié de souhaiter votre belle-mère un prompt rétablissement! I care for my own mother who is 82, and have found her on the floor as well. This is a traumatic experience to say the least. Praying for your sweet mother-in-law as well as you and Jean-Marc as you work through these health issues. And for full recovery for your mother-in-law. God can do more than we can ask or imagine!
Kristin, J’oublié de souhaiter votre belle-mère un prompt rétablissement! I care for my own mother who is 82, and have found her on the floor as well. This is a traumatic experience to say the least. Praying for your sweet mother-in-law as well as you and Jean-Marc as you work through these health issues. And for full recovery for your mother-in-law. God can do more than we can ask or imagine!
I am crazy about “Les Anges dans nos Campagnes” especially Kiri Te Kanawa singing it (in English)! I hope many “anges” of mercy will minister to you and your dear mom-in-law and family at this difficult time.
I am crazy about “Les Anges dans nos Campagnes” especially Kiri Te Kanawa singing it (in English)! I hope many “anges” of mercy will minister to you and your dear mom-in-law and family at this difficult time.
I don’t know any French Christmas songs yet, but a new CD would be wonderful. I do love listening to French music to help my ears get used to hearing the language more so I can try to speak it better. I like “White Christmas”, “Let It Snow”, and a lot of other Christmas songs. I love spending time with my family during the holidays.
I don’t know any French Christmas songs yet, but a new CD would be wonderful. I do love listening to French music to help my ears get used to hearing the language more so I can try to speak it better. I like “White Christmas”, “Let It Snow”, and a lot of other Christmas songs. I love spending time with my family during the holidays.
Il est ne le devin enfant …hmm or The Huron Christma Carol. Thinking of you and your mother-in-law.
Il est ne le devin enfant …hmm or The Huron Christma Carol. Thinking of you and your mother-in-law.