Our son Max turns 22 years old today. On this special occasion I have asked Jean-Marc to express his thoughts, which are especially moving in today's recording (don't miss the sound file in French). The English version of this letter follows, just below.
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TODAY'S WORD: Mon Grand
: my big boy, my son, my darling
A FATHER'S TRIBUTE TO HIS SON
Audio File: click here to listen to Jean-Marc read his letter aloud
Maxime, Mon Grand,
Pour tes 22 ans, le même âge que ta Maman et moi avions lorsque nous nous sommes rencontrés, j'ai écrit ces quelques lignes.
Depuis 4 ans tu as commencé à déployer tes ailes mais bientôt, elles devront battre plus fort et plus longtemps pour traverser l'Atlantique et vivre une année au Mexique. Tu nous manques déjà lorsque tu es à Montpellier alors je n'ose pas penser comment ça sera l'année prochaine lorsque tu seras à Leon.
Le temps a passé trop vite. Je regrette profondément de ne pas avoir partagé plus avec toi, en particulier ces dernières années. Mais voilà, j'ai choisi un métier trop prenant et je n'ai pas su toujours trouver les bons équilibres. Je te prie de m'en excuser.
Je suis très fier de toi, de ta personnalité, de ton enthousiasme, de ton parcours de vie.
Joyeux Anniversaire, "mon Grand" . En fait, je t'ai toujours appelé "mon Grand" même lorsque tu étais "Petit". Cela me vient sûrement de mon Papa qui m'appelait aussi comme ça aussi et cela me permet de garder sa mémoire vivante.
Je t'aime fort.
Maxime, Mon Grand,
For your 22 years, the same age that your Mom and I had when we met, I wrote you a few lines.
For 4 years you have started to spread your wings but soon they will have to flap harder and longer to cross the Atlantic and live a year in Mexico. We miss you already now that you are in Montpellier so I do not dare to think how it will be next year when you will be in Leon.
Time has passed too fast. I deeply regret not having shared more with you, especially in recent years. But here, I chose a demanding career and I did not always know how to find the right balance. Please excuse me.
I am very proud of you, of your personality, your enthusiasm, your life course.
Happy Birthday, "Mon Grand." In fact, I always called you "Mon Grand" even when you were "Little". It surely comes from my Daddy who also called me that too and it allows me to keep his memory alive.
I love you very much.
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This beautiful, heartfelt letter brought tears to my eyes. Someday, my sons will be Max’s age and living their own lives, possibly far away from me. That mere idea is bittersweet, even now. Wishing Max the happiest of birthdays, and sending kind wishes your way, Kristi and Jean-Marc!
Hello. These words so resonate with me. Brings tears.
Wishing you all the good things in life.
Oh, c’est trop beau!
So sweet! Thank you for sharing! It’s my youngest nephew’s birthday today too, and I also wonder how 17 years have passed so quickly! After calling him “Dan the Man” since he was born, all of a sudden he IS.
Happy Birthday, Max!
Such tender and honest words you have for Max, Jean-Marc. They brought tears to my eyes as well. It is such a gift for a parent to let their first born spread wings and fly away. Be assured that the path he takes will always bring him.back, especially in your heart. The parent-child bond is forever. As he ventures out and with each passing birthday, may life keep Max safe.
Deeply felt sentiments, simply and plainly said. A great gift to your son!
Thank you for sharing this touching tribute to Max. I think of him sharing the labor and love for your vines and your family. Having met him I know him to be kind and respectful. Although he is finding his own way, I think he will never forget where he came from and will always find his way back to the family he loves.
So beautiful. What more could a mother want. Happy Birthday. xoxo Mary
J’espère que vous avez une belle journée. Hommage merveilleux de votre père. Joyeux anniversaire Maxime
Our “Mon Grand” turns 28 today! I enjoyed your tribute and pictures. Happy Birthday!
Just. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.
This letter is so sweet and touching.
My friends and I went on a wine tour with Jean Marc in 2010 and ended up at your vineyard. We had such a great time and recount our experiences of that day often.
Glad to hear of your adventures through your blog.
All the best,
Pam
Si émpouvant…
Maxim, je viens d’écouter cette lettre de ton père pour ton anniversaire. Tellement touchante ! On sent tout l’amour de ton papa, toute la tendresse, la bienveillance,l’émotion, la grande sensibilité de ton père…Tu as de la chance d’avoir un papa si attentif et qui peut t’exprimer tout son amour inconditionnel.
Je te souhaite Bonne Fête ( comme on dit ici au Québec) et continue de réaliser tes rêves…
Tu es un fils merveilleux !
Clo
Beautiful letter from Father to son. It says what so many parents feel when their children are ready to fly away on their own wings..we all have regrets…could have done this better..done that differently , that’s just part of the parenting gig and means we cared a LOT…we can only do what we are capable of at the time. I think most of our children know that , and it especially hits home when they also become parents. You have both done an excellent job and should be very proud parents.
Much love to you all…and Cheers to Max!!!
Anne from New Zealand.
Chere Kristi, It can be so difficult for some men to articulate their feelings. Bravo Jean-Marc for expressing in words the love you feel for your son. Bon anniversaire Max.
What a truly moving message from father to son on his birthday. In scrolling through the comments that followed, I was struck that Max must share his birthday on May 17 with more than one person, and here I thought, some sixty years older then Max, I alone could claim that date.
Joyeux anniversaire, Max.
Another Max[ey]
Okay, this brought tears to my eyes, especially seeing the photo of the two of them.
Dear Jean-Marc, It’s often the best parents who have the most regrets. Because they can never do enough for their children – at least, not in their own eyes. So don’t be sad. Most of us have to work when our children are still young and need us most, but that means a better standard of living for the family and a positive role model. I worked too long and too hard when my children were young, but in later years when sometimes as young adults they had problems I was able to be there for them. And now I am there for my grandchild. So one often gets more chances and they are sometimes the sweetest of all. Crois-moi et ne regrette rien. Tu as fait ton mieux – c’est ce qui compte.
Jean Marc,
A very touching letter. I am sure that you and Max have a good relationship even if you were not there every minute. Parents must let their children spread their wings always remembering that they will be there for you when needed.
Kathleen
So beautifully expressed and honest..How little we know ahead of time the enormous story of rearing a child. As your husband says he chose a demanding career ..most of us do and we can only move from the heart..Mistakes and a few regrets are part of the beautiful tapestry.
I am certain YOU have played a beautiful melody along side this father/son connection. May JOY and wonder always be on your path.
Yes you will iss him like I miss mine but they are their own person now and this next “show” glitters with possibility Thank you for posting this..
pamela singer
Beautiful, and from the heart.
Oh boy, I’m not sure which made cry more: the affecting note Jean-Marc composed for your son, or the tears in his voice as he read it aloud. A beautiful tribute to Max for his birthday and for always. Happy 22nd to him!
This letter is beautiful in itself, but also, to have a husband who loves his son so very much, must make you very happy.
From father to son.
Happy Birthday dear Max and bravo to both of you for raising such a grand person.
Au cœur tendre❤️❤️❤️
…… “his words are so tender and heartfelt,
I know when Max reads them, his own
heart will melt”…..
Kristin, you are blessed with a wonderful husband, son and daughter…. cherish them. J.
Lovely, lovely words to Max from his amazing father. But oh, how wonderful to have a YEAR in Mexico, and I hope so much he will be near his amazing grandmere! Wings were made to be spread by the young…bon voyage, Max, et bonne anniversaire.
Trop beau! Vraiment touchant!
Oh my, Such beautiful words . A special father & son . A real blessing from you to share this moment with us, Thankyou, it brings a joy , a feeling of love & forward thinking in our daily lives .
Tender and Beautiful Jean-Marc. Thanks for sharing Kristi ♥
What a beautiful letter to Max Jean-Marc wrote!
I hope Max has a wonderful Birthday, and fantastic year!
Thanks for sharing Kristi!
Simple and perfectly beautiful. Thank you so much.
“They do not love that do not show their love.”–The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
You, Jean Marc, show your love profoundly and openly.
Like the other readers, I sit hear crying, feeling moved by that love.
What a marvelous inspiration for your son, other fathers, all of the Mots du Jour readers.
Merci de mon coeur.
What a sweet, moving letter! I hope Max will keep the letter- it is such a wonderful gift to have from one’s Papa.
And happy BIRTH-day to you Kristi, I am sure you remember the day well when Max came into your lives– and nothing has ever been the same!!
J-M,
Thank-you for sharing your touching, private sentiments with us. There are many people here who have watched Max grow from child into a handsome, responsible young man. We celebrate with you and congratulate you and Kristi for raising such a caring son. Beautiful picture of the two of you.
Said just like a Frenchman…..beautiful!
Lovely! What a nice thing to do!
How lovely . I , too, have “deux grands”, who are grown,terrific young men with families of their own. I miss them terribly, since we are all scattered all over the U.S. Today is their father’s birthday, who, sadly passed away at the age of 56. Today, he would be 75. Cherish every moment we have with family. Thank you for this reading today.
Just a gorgeous father/son tribute! Happy Birthday, Max!
The same age that your Mom and I were
In English, we are 22 years old, where in French, using literal translation, we have 22 years. Somehow that took me a long time to understand, perhaps the break through in my mind that French is not English translated, but a whole new way to describe life and living. Then I wondered if Depuis quatre ans meant the last 4 years as written, or since he was 4 years old–the age someone said when children begin to recognize the world beyond their family.
Such thoughts, as every father has, who makes a living while raising his children, so well said.
Very touching. Thanks for sharing with your readers….
Literally, I have tears in my eyes reading this.
Hi Kristi and Jean-Marc,
What a beautiful letter to Max and how sweet are the photos! Time goes by too fast with our children, doesn’t it?
Thanks for sharing a beautiful message from father to son. Those of us who
have children far away really appreciate a father who is able to express his
thoughts so beautifully. My son lives and works in Japan and he has been far
away for 15 years.. As parents we want our children to know the world in which they live. As parents we do not know what that goal will demand of us.
Lorraine Taylor
Holbrook, New York
A letter to treasure- a love to treasure. Happy Birthday to Max and best wishes for a wonderful year in Mexico!
Beautiful and touching. I loved hearing the emotion in his voice, which moved me almost to tears. -Kate
Our dear Kristi,Jean Marc,and Max,
No greater gift than to know of your parents’love and pride in you;a blessing to treasure throughout your life!
This is so beautifully and honestly expressed,and truly touches each of our hearts.
Happy birthday,dear Max!Health and happiness always!
Love
Natalia. xo
HAPPY Birthday my Darling Max…you are the greatest.
I love you forever with all of my heart.
XOXO Grandmere Jules
Joyeux Anniversaire,Max. It’s been a delight watching you grow up through your mothers words and pictures.