GERER (zher-ay)
: to manage, to handle things
EXAMPLE SENTENCE
Maman, ne t'inquiète pas, je suis assez capable de me gérer moi-même.
Mom, don't worry. I am capable enough to manage things on my own.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse
Un petit coucou de Paris. A little hello from Paris, where my 17-year-old is settling in for her three week stage, or internship. We are staying in a shoebox on the 6th floor of an historic Haussmanian building. The room is slightly bigger than the double bed where we will bunk for the next week, until I am certain Jackie feels confident to live on here own.
But from the looks of things, she is every bit capable of taking care of herself and those around her. I am touched at how she has looked after me, since leaving home together yesterday. It all began at our train station in St Cyr / Les Lecques. The sun was shining down brightly as we stood on the platform waiting for our train. "I'm going to stand in the shade," I said….
"Maman, you have your hat on. You are OK."
I realized she was right, and relaxed as the train pulled up. But when we stepped abord, there were no empty seats. Struggling with my luggage, I began to panick. "Maman, stay there", Jackie said, quickly scouting for a seat. Next she directed me to a side chair where I could sit with my bags bundled beside me in the passage way. What luck to have a place to rest on a crowded train.
Arriving in Paris, Jackie shepherded me out of the train station and reminded me to call UBER. We would not be using the metro when we had heavy bags to lug. We ended up taking the first cab we saw, and when I asked the cabby to stop at an ATM so I could get cash to pay the ride, Jackie said, "I think I can cover it." She handed the cab driver 10 euros and presto! there we stood in front of our apartment.
Today at lunch I ordered a little flan de courgette for lunch. "Maman, have a cup of soup, too," Jackie suggested.
"No. This is all I want," I said, only to realize how hungry I was later. Jackie hailed the waiter, "On voudrais commander une deuxième soupe, s'il vous plaît," and just like that, everything was taken care of.
At this point in my story, you may be wondering why a 17-year-old girl is making such snappy decisions, when her mom should be calling the shots. Briefly, I have not been myself lately. It is a combination of things and it will surely pass. Meantime, seeing my daughter spread her delicate wings and fly–taking me along with her–is the best Mothers Day present any one could ask for.
I'm going to be taking a little time off from the blog, but I will be back for a weekly check-in, whether with a story or with a photo. Meantime, I am posting pictures from Paris on my Instagram gallery and at Facebook. I hope you will stop by and enjoy them, and click the follow button to see tomorrow's photos, too!
Warmest wishes from Paris,
Kristi
P.S. Very sorry about the lack of photos in this edition. Having technical difficulties. Please click on the Instagram or Facebook highlighted links above for today's pictures, including the magnifique bouquet Jackie just presented me with, here in our cozy boîte à chaussures in Paris.
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Look at all this beauty coming to you Kristin, so much Love. I am adding my own and a dose of Strength too. You are an amazing woman with such a generous heart. Know that we will all be thinking about you until your return.
And as for Jackie? I love it that she is feeling right at home in the City of Light. I moved to NYC when I was her age and it was an amazing experience. Plus, she has her internship in couture! Exceptional. It says much of her talent and her confidence, much of how you raised her.
Gros, gros bisous and a warm American hug,
Heather
Thank you for your generous support via these loving and warm-hearted messages. I am deeply touched and grateful for your friendship, indeed so thankful for this extended family that you all are. Amicalement, Kristi
Hi Kristin,
Enjoy your time with Jackie and what a wonderful daughter she is! I loved the flower bouquet she gave you for Mother’s Day!
I wonder if you are feeling a bit out of whack because your Mom just left, Max is going to Portland and Jackie will soon be on her own. It will pass, but I know what an adjustment it is. Thinking about you and hope you are back to your old self, or young self! 🙂
Kristin – When Richard Winter was leading the men of Easy Company through Normandy in WW2 he had a short phrase that he always said to his men. “Hang tough!” So I’m telling that to you now . . . hang tough!
What a blessing Jackie is to you!! Life is changing and sometimes we don’t change as quickly along with it. be patient with yourself, and gentle!! It’s OK! Give yourself permission to process it lol and grieve a bit for the way things used to be. Max is off to Oregon, Jackie to Paris, Mom back to Mexico. Time to make new fun plans with your husband and look at the “I’ve always wanted to…” list. You are preparing for an empty nest and it is an adjustment, but you will fly and thrive! You will always be much loved and very needed! Take this delicate time of mixed feelings, self reflection, etc. and don’t forget to journal and pour it all out privately on paper. Much love from sunny Phoenix!!
I add my virtual hug to all the others posted. You brighten the day for so many others–hope you can get a warm little glow back from your readers now when you are in need of comfort.
Kristin, I’m thinking of you and Jackie. She sounds very grown up and ready to take on the world with a big smile on her face, hiding any trace of nervousness. I also imagine what a challenging time this must be for you. Please remember to trust and focus on one step at a time. Time is a wonderful healer.
Keeping you and Jackie in my thoughts and prayers! xo Nancy L.
Thinking of you, dear one, be well. Hugs…
My thoughts go with you, Kristi. Take care of yourself. Thank you for your beautiful blog.
I echo the sentiments of all your other ” virtual ” friends…it must feel like life is swirling with change as Max flies to Portland, Jackie to Paris and your beloved Jules back to Mexico. Give yourself permission to pause, regroup, recharge, and then resume with your usual vivre! We will all be here when you feel refreshed enough to resume.
Dear Kristin,
I hope that you are ok. Enjoy your time with Jackie – she has turned out to be an accomplished and beautiful young woman! In the meantime I am enjoying all of your photos!Thank you for all that you share with us.xo
Like everyone else, wishing you well…
Take good care!
I understand you are not up to par for several reasons. Travel is difficult when you are at your best. Even a short trip to Paris is enough to put you off balance. It is wonderful that you are able to let go and have Jackie take charge at this vulnerable time. Be gentle with yourself and take some time off to get better. I am not at my best these days and need to take my own advice.
Kristin, I am so sorry that you are having a difficult time. I will miss you but I also understand that everyone needs to take a break sometimes. Rest and relax and come back to us when you are able. Take care of yourself.
This too shall pass Kristin. Hang in there you are stronger than you know!
Thanks again for these very comforting words! What a gift each and every note here is. Merci beaucoup.
Happy I get to see you on Monday and give you a squeeze! <3
At lunch today in Burgundy at a restaurant by the Saône, we were 14, and the subject of your blog came up. Almost everyone at the table reads it (except Pierre, who speaks not a word of English, so we explained it to him at length), and we all felt like we were talking about an old friend, since your blog is so intensely personal. And we were all a bit worried about you. Whatever is difficult in your life at the moment, I hope it will pass. I would say you have a rather large support group behind you! Bon courage et gros bises.
Lynn, your notes makes me realize there are so many hidden angels out there. Thanks for the evidence and please hug them for me next time you see them.
And encore merci to all who have left a bon courage comment. I so appreciate it.
Let me add to the zillions of well-wishers. Enjoy the special bonding time between mother and daughter and rejoice at how competent she has become under your guidance and fine example.
The snow goose
need not bathe
to make itself white.
Neither need you
do anything
but be yourself.
Lao-Tse
Take care Kristin