Happy Birthday Max. We watered you. You watered the vines. And everything just grew.
MAS DE LA PERDRIX. Lovely months to rent this home France: July, for fields of sunflowers & lavender. September, for the grape harvest! October: fall leaves. The exchange rate is great. It's a wonderful time to rent this dreamhouse.
TODAY'S WORD:
fils (feece) noun, masculine
: son
C'est bien le fils de son père = he is very much his father's son
être le fils de ses oeuvres = to be a self-made man
le Fils de l'homme/de Dieu = the Son of man/of God
le fils âiné, cadet = the older/younger brother
tel père, tel fils = like father, like son
AUDIO FILE: in today's sound file, we hear a 10-year-old Max read a moving poem in French. Listen to it here Download MP3 and then check the words here, in this post.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Carry a child and one day he'll carry you
In the geography of child-rearing, there are sacred endroits, or turning points, before which a parent stops, shakes her head, and wipes her teary mirettes. Much as a cartographer does, she will, there on the map of her rugged heart, carefully pencil in these notable landmarks.
Before our first child was born, I was given one of those "baby memory books". It was sealed with a ribbon and, inside, apart from the journal lines, it had a place in which one could paste the baby photos. Though I had the best intentions, I have always felt terribly guilty for not keeping up with the record books, by noting down every "first" in the life of my children.
Çela dit, I did have the time to note a few pre-birth impressions, before all that "journaling momentum" that I'd built up flew out the door the moment our fils was born. After that earth-stopping event, it was all I could do to keep track of feedings, diaper changings, and hormones raging (my own; baby blues?).
But a recent "first step" of our son's is something I hope never to forget. Unlike a first tooth, the experience has been a near mystical moment. Indulge me now, will you, as I take up space in this public journal to sketch in an uplifting instant.
June 26, 2011 : Max, 16 years and 41 days old. On this otherwise ordinary summer evening… our son reached down, picked up his mother and carried her off!
As go mystical moments, everything around the event is either dulled (in comparison) and forgotten, or–quite the opposite–everything around the event is crystal clear! My experience was twofold:
Forgotten were all those "unimportants". I remember walking into Max's room that night. In robot mode, I had been going down my bedtime list: "Max, don't forget to pick up these clothes off the floor. Open your window for some fresh air! Remember to take your asthma and allergy meds. And I know school's out - but don't stay up too late!" With that, I set down my laundry basket, threw out my arms and waited for my favorite moment: le câlin, or hug. It was the only natural, non-automated part of the "tuck-in" schedule.
I still don't know what bit him, but I noticed a magical smile on my son's face as he turned away from his computer. Max's sourire grew and grew until he seemed possessed… possessed by happiness! In his holey socks, he slid across the wooden floor, over to the door, pulled me into the room…. and swept me off the floor!
Crystal clear now, were the events I'd mourned (having never noted them down): first tooth, first step, first chagrin! The first time he ran away… his first girlfriend!
There stood my son and, with one strong arm beneath my back and the other beneath my dangling legs, I was suspended in midair, held secure in the arms of my firstborn.
I shrieked as Max began to turn… and spin with me! We twirled round and round, stopping to gasp for air after so much laughter. I could not believe my own son could now carry me! As if sensing my doubt, Max tightened his hold, swooping me up higher and higher! How to describe the experience of that moment when the one you once held up… is now holding you! I felt like a child in my own son's arms, there was that warmth and security, there was that sacred glimpse of eternity!
As we spun round the room, breathless and laughing, all those moments I had failed to record in the baby memory book came back to me. Our son's first swim… his first solo bike ride… his first time behind the wheel, as driver! The privilege was now mine–to review these events, in my son's arms, whirling, literally, with the moment!
I know it was indulgent, this sudden role reversal, but I enjoyed every second. And, looking up into my boy's starry eyes, more than his weary mother, I was a newborn, cherished and adored. Witnessing the reflection in my son's dazzling eyes, I might have even been his prize.
COMMENTS
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French Vocabulary
un endroit = place
les mirettes (f,pl) = eyes, peepers
Çela dit = that being said
le fils = son
le câlin = cuddle, hug
le sourire = smile
That photo again, because…
The photo above this one was taken when Max was 12 years old. He turned 20 yesterday, and helped plant this vineyard a few weeks ago.
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Smokey's favorite reads
Enter to win a copy of Jackie Mancuso's latest books, Paris-Chien and her newly-released Hudson in Provence, in which this lovable pooch quits trying to imitate the other dogs around him, in time to discover what his own talent is.
To enter today's drawing simply tell us what your talent is. Did you ever try to imitate somebody, only to discover your own knack for something? What is that something? Click here to comment.
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Happy Birthday Max!
And bonne lecture, Smokey!
I can totally relate to your story, as the other day I watched in amazement as my son drove a tractor around the yard like a professional, looking so grown up that I nearly cried. It is truly a beautiful thing, but they grow up so fast! As for talents, I grow rosemary- without even trying- I have a hedge out back, rosemary everywhere in the yard and have given so much away.
Another wonderful post! Thank you, as always, for sharing your heart with us all.
Blessings!
Goodness, you are so good at reducing us to tears I think you must own stock in Kleenex! 😉 Another lovely and touching post, Kristin!
I hope you are your mother are having a great time!
Those books look lovely and as if they have sent Smokey to a beautiful dreamland!
I like to think my talent is in art. I, too, was another who was strongly discouraged by college counselors from pursuing that course of study. And, like many others, wish I hadn’t listened to them.
Wow Kristi you have a lotto read and any touching stories. Mine is about my desire to be an interior designer ever sine I was quite young. My parents wold leave for dinner and I would tke that opportunity to redo the living room or dinning room or my bedroom. They were usually amused.
When I started to redo houses for others, i was very successful but often heard of people taking walls out or remodeling ipossible basements and it finally dawned on me that I could copy them, that is iagine a project without the llimits of destroying what is already there. My first example was a home with a small room bot a large bank of windows. It was more short than small. What to do? It ws useless as is. I walked outside and looked at the roof line and there was my answer. The roof was pitched and there was plenty of room above that low, low ceiling.. so off came the ceiling and a new, darling room was added to the upstairs. I coppied the idea of daring to take down existing structure in order to add beauty and practical value to a home.
P.s. Your posts are always so open and dear. Thank you for all of them. G
This clearly is a wonderful, cherished moment/memory for you. It is now a cherished retelling of that moment, for me! Thank you for this, Kristin…
How extraordinarily beautiful these moments must have been – they were something very special for us all to read. I can only imagine what joy it brought to you! My talent is I can raise one eyebrow at a time! 🙂 And while I’m here in Paris for a month with my beautiful husband, about to celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary, I have taken 100+ photos each day – we are now on day 14! Is that a talent or just an obsession! I love my ‘babies’ – and all the memories my photos bring to us so we are able to relive our trips, over and over! P.S. I wasn’t very good about our daughter’s baby book, either. If we are lucky, she may get a chance to do better – verdict is still out, but we’re hopeful. Reading your story of Max brought tears to my eyes just thinking there might some, someday, be a new baby in our family! Thank you for sharing your wonderful ‘spin.’!!!! Happy Birthday, Max!
Like many others, I teared up while reading this post. Very touching and yes magical. Thank you for sharing a sweet cherished moment.
As I’m preparing to leave California, after 28 years on the Left Coast, in the Land of Breakfast Cereal (fruits, nuts, & flakes !), returning to where people understand that “barbecue” is a NOUN, not a verb 😉 (Charlotte, North Carolina), I’m clearing out storage and playing “keep or bye-bye”. (So far, more than 25 pounds for the shredder, and much more to the recycling – lots of books to my grand-children & the local library.) I’m finding birthday cards from my children, pictures of the family over the years (cute grand-children !), and remembering the good times, and the not-so-pleasant times. Life has been an adventure (defined by me, for myself, as a situation in which I don’t know what’s going to happen !), and I’m looking forward to the next chapter – close enough to my family (except for the grand-daughter in Australia !) to visit much more frequently, participate more in their lives, and have them more in mine. Thanks, Kristin, for the opportunity / suggestion to put a few words here.
D’abord, I have to say how much I loved this post, I was twirling with you and your son, tears in my eyes. I love everything you write, but this time I was swept off my feet by Max AND YOU! So, for a talent, it’s odd – I would call it a gift and I had it since i was a child, everyone has some tucked away, second sight, psychic flashes, but since I came to France (from CA) now I’ve been doing it for real and for a livng, registered as a Voyante in France, Cartomancy, tarot, Clairvoyance. I see you will always have a bright future…Voila!
I am typing through tears. How precious your photos, your memories, your stories…you have all that a heart holds dear. Such a fine young man Max has grown to be. You watered him well with love!
Both of Smokey’s favorite reads look adorable to me. I am in search of a new talent. I might follow Hudson’s lead in time to discover just what that is.
Wishing another lovely day to you, Jules and your family!
Caught up in reminiscing about my family, I completely forgot to mention my talent ! It’s singing, discovered a couple of years ago at a conference (Order of St. Luke, North American Conference in Fort Worth – Memphis-style pork barbecue at the Woodshed !), when, not having a clue about my purpose in life, I heard one of the speakers say that to find your true self, find your passion, that is, what makes you cry. Immediately, I recalled the beautiful music of the Russian Orthodox liturgy that I’ve sung with for many years (mnoga l’eta) with the Slavyanka Chorus and San Francisco (and the other music, as well), and realized that my purpose is to sing ! That was confirmed the next day in the conference in an amazing way when I heard God speak to me – “I made you to sing.” So that’s what I’m about; consulting (software quality assurance with medical device companies) is just a means to that end, providing $$ to keep the bills paid, food on the table, etc., but the opportunities to sing have continued to increase as I’ve taken this to heart. It’s a bit late in life to have found this, but better late than never (and I’ve realized that it would have been “never” if I hadn’t suffered through a painful divorce from a wonderful lady who just didn’t like that music). And so I intend, with God’s help & blessing, to make the most of what’s left for me. I’ve discovered that I have a young tenor voice, and hope / trust / expect that I’ll be able to glorify God through this gift that He’s given me.
I’m still drying my tears after reading your memories of you and Max spinning round his room! What a beautiful moment for both of you!
I am in the middle of developing my talent as an artist. As a child I had always watched my father create these stunning works of art in his studio without thinking that I too could give it a try. Now that I’m retired, I decided that I had the time to pursue drawing and painting, so I enrolled in some classes. I discovered that this was such an enjoyable pastime which actually enables you to focus on a creative endeavor while at the same time keeping your worries at bay. It has been extremely cathartic for me, especially when my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. I even create my own greeting cards now, which my friends enjoy receiving. Self-expression is vital to the human spirit!
Kristin,
What a great memory and it was one which you did not have to write down, even though you did. You and JM brought up 2 great children. You should be proud.
For what do I have a talent…art, photography are my passions. There are others but somehow they all tie together…the art of……
Kathleen
Love the before and ‘after’ photos! How sweet!
Sewing, cooking, baking, home décor, and so many other things were my fortes.
I am now old and did all those things for so long, I am now bored of some of them. (Not the baking, but I’m too fat to be baking! Uggh.)
And…I LOVE SMOKEY!!!
Sheila from Port Townsend
Dear Kristi,
A touching and heartfelt mother~son story. These memories become even more significant as we watch our children grow into adults.
This time your story dissolved me into a heap of tears~
Such a gift your life is, and our gift is that you share it with us in such a beautifully written and magical way…
That is a very powerful piece of writing Kristin, and so moving too. Your children must love you so much and be very proud of you. You have a great talent for sharing those fleeing moments and making them eternal. I am not sure what my talent is, but it may be life drawing, as I love the human form, it can tell so many stories.
Thank you for these inspiring and joyful posts! I would say I have a talent for imitating my nieces and nephews…and a few friends 🙂
Thank you.You outdid yourself today, Kristin. A touching post.
Wow, what a touching story! I have lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, as I think of my own 6-year-old girl and how quickly they grow up.
I love the young photo of Max and his current photo – je veux souhaiter un très joyeux anniversaire à Max !
Hi Kristin and Max!
I love this post today….so full of joy, happiness and love! I can’t help but smile listening to little 10 year old Max’s voice reading the poem. So sweet! All our sweet memories of our children are kept in our hearts!
I loved the post today, and the wonderful time-gap photos of Max, but kept scrolling down to see if there was news of Smokey. Am hoping against hope for him, and still am so touched that you sent an email when my pup was fighting a battle recently lost. Sending wishes for as much time as you can have with your furry friend.
What a wonderful post!
Baking was always the province of my mother, so I felt so grownup the day I made my first batch of cookies by myself! Now, baking is a major part of who I am.
We were just recalling how our younger son (now 28) would run across the room and attack when he was small and you never knew when the ninja would show up. He also doesn’t have a baby book but son #1 does:(
My talent is difficult to define, loving my boys unconditionally is one, my hobby is photography and cooking but I still have a way to go.
Totally enjoyed your post and all the comments as well.
The books look awesome.
Happy Birthday to Max.
Kathy
Kristin, I loved reading today’s journal. I have found that a child’s memory of the good times with his family far supersedes”firsts” written in a baby book. Our children love relating funny or touching moments. I have never heard them rave about the date of their first haircut. Enjoy the moment. It’s so good to hear about the time you spend with your children. I know you’re proud of them both! Bon anniversaire a Max! Il est vraiment beau.
Well, I can’t converse with cats.
Lovely! My talent, for now, is caring for my grands. They keep me running. When they are not here and I have a few moments, I love to create rubber stamped greeting cards. I use them for all sorts of gifts, donations, ministries…I actually send them out as greetings, too. Have a fabulous day!
Great question and very emotional post! I think my talent is teaching. I taught high school French, Spanish, and a little English for 34 years. Besides teaching at a public high school, I was able to teach my own children (5 of them) about cultures and languages. My kids are now 18-28 years old and love to travel and learn about people, places, and history.
My talent is baking! Flourless chocolate torte particularly.
Hi Kristin! My talents are writing and learning languages. Since I was a little girl, my mom has said that I was a writer. I tried so many other things, but I have come back to what my mom (and dad) have been telling me for all those years. Why didn’t I listen to them sooner?! Thank you for your fantastic blog…
Amy Jo : )
Bon anniversaire, Max!
Kristin, I was so happy to read this story. It brought to mind a similar situation with my son, who will soon be 24.
When he was four or five, we went to the swimming pool. I had given him rides before, but this time he said he wanted to give me a ride – and he did! Of course he was able to do it because the water supported most of my weight. But it was so special, being carried by my little lad – I’ve never forgotten that.
Yes, they grow up so fast. William Blake said we should “kiss the joy as it flies.” May you have many such joys to come.
What a heartwarming post! I too have a son that I love and he also picked me up at about that same age when I was scolding him and reminding him of what he needed to do…he too twirled me around and we laughed, then he threw me into the pool…cela dit, it was funny. Your post prompted my fun memory, merci.
Kristin, of all your posts that I have read over the years this is without a doubt your best!
Beautiful post! Et merci pour les phrases au debut!
My talent is winking. Left eye. Right eye. Sultry. Playful. Isolated eye movement. Paired with a lip pout. I’ve get em all! 😉
My talent . . . I dwell on it, I pray over it . . . what will I be when I grow up, what is my talent?? I’m grown up . . . and I’m still asking that question! I have artistic hobbies, I have outdoor hobbies . . . but my talent?? The Lord tells us to use our talents well . . . sigh . . . Lord what is my talent? So, until I’m hit with a blaze of glory and a resounding “Oh now I get it” moment . . . my talent – my family. That alone takes a lot of practice, perseverance, skill . . . and revised canvases or changed mediums! ‘ -)
Thank you for your best and Bon Anniversaire pour Max. My talent is music – I grew up listening music thanks to my parents and started playing the piano at age 9. At one point I wanted to do this
as my occupation so I played in a wedding band plus other accompanying. Then I decided it was best to play for fun and to share my music with family, friends, etc. For 13 years I played every Saturday at the nursing home where my dad and grandma lived until they passed. I currently play piano at my church and in a group for a homeless shelter. “Without music life would be a mistake.”
Kristin, I commented above and meant to write thank you for your post (not best). The correct quote at the end is “Life without music would be a mistake”.
Merci!
What a charming post, full of tendresse et nostalgie. I came over from Heather of Lost in Arles’ blog. But I used to read your blog years ago and have one of your French Word A Day books that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I will be adding your blog to my Feedly so I don’t miss another post.
Oh, and my talent – I am adept at many things, sewing, cooking, gardening, but I like to think that I have a talent for seeing the beauty in life and sharing it with others.
Merci bien! My youngest graduated from h.s. last night, and yes, it was just yesterday that I held her hand heading into kindergarten. So much has happened since then… I wouldn’t change a thing – unless I could live it all over again. Time marches on, dragging some of us along kicking and screaming!
C’est le meilleur poste Que Jamais!
My talent is making people feel comfortable whenever they are around me. I am a natural hostess who tries to draw people in wherever I go.
I dont know which is better – hearing that precious 10 year old reading a poem or thinking about him being 20 and able to swing his mom over his head. Thanks for sharing these wonderful moments. If I have any talent, I guess it would be writing – at least that’s what others say. Hello to Smokey, who always looks so sweet.
This post brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. Beautifully captured moments….. xx
I’m late to the party but just had to say what a lovely piece of writing this is.
Wow! Just getting to all these open tabs on my computer – so glad I didn’t miss this one. Beautiful story and writing, Kristi.