For this special edition, all the French vocabulary is featured in the story (the sound file returns next week). Picture taken last month at Ecrins National Park in the Alps.
Today Jean-Marc and I celebrate 26 years of marriage. I had not planned to write un hommage (and was due to update you on a mother-daughter périple)… when I realized il ne faut pas manquer cette chance!
I would have liked to have composed a list of 26 Things (God knows that would be a colorful one!)… but I think I just need to start from here, and work with what I have–and that would be this growing appreciation. I may not always feel that or realize that (or even want to admit that)… but the truth is:
That my life is better because of him
That my heart is larger from loving him
That my soul is stretched forgiving him
That my mind is calmed in union with him
We may not always be better, loving, forgiving, or united with one another–but our hearts have somehow kept us on track. On second thought, The Grace of God has kept us on track. (I can’t speak for Jean-Marc here. But he might agree that une force mystérieuse has kept us together. Qu’est-ce que t’en dis, Chéri?)
My favorite question for married couples is, “C’est quoi votre secret?” More than the answer, I love how this question causes two people to look into each other’s eyes and suddenly light up. There is that unmistakable smile of appreciation. And it is better late than never. Mieux vaut tard que jamais.
I think if somebody were to ask me our secret I finally have the answer: During difficult times, just hold on. And, as often as possible, se regarder dans les yeux…et souriez.
Hands squeezed tightly 26 years ago, and still holding on today. To follow our intimate story of love on two vineyards, read along as we write our memoir, The Lost Gardens.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
un hommage = a tribute
un périple = journey
il ne faut pas manquer cette chance! = mustn't miss this chance
mon époux = my husband
une force mystérieuse = a mysterious force
qu’est-ce que t’en dis? = what do you have to say about that
mieux vaut tard que jamais = better late than never
se regarder dans les yeux = look each other in the eyes
et souriez = and smile
Ecrins National Park, in the Alps, one of the many French destinations I have had the pleasure to visit. Thank you, Jean-Marc! Happy Anniversary, Chéri!
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Muchas felicidades en vuestro aniiversario .Que sigan cumpliendo mas.
Et bon courage!
From the heart…
Your words are ring so very true. Just hold on…that’s how we’ve made it 40 years! Happy Anniversary To both of you.
Happy anniversary! Here’s to many, many more!
Congratulations Kristi and Jean Marc . You have been through a lot together and supported each other . May you both have many happy years ahead , stay well xxxCarole
Happy anniversary and here’s to future anniversaries.
Kathleen
Congratulations on 26 years 🎉🎉🎉
This brought tears to my eyes.
So beautiful, so honest.
Love is the answer.
Thou Art That …. that is the mystery!
That was lovely!
There is something so beautiful about commitment, with all its ups and downs. Your commitment and devotion to each other through good and bad times, through all the joys and stresses of parenting and putting food on the table, caring for your older family, and soldiering through difficulties have always been inspiring. God bless and keep you both, the kids (who are no longer kids, of course), and the rest of your family. And thank you for all these years of writing because in so doing, you help us with far more than our vocabulary. XXOO Angela and Bill
Congratulations to you both!
While I don’t you, I am very touched by your story!
I was also captivated, because at present, I am requesting that people “share love stories” on my Facebook business page, Murmuration LTD, in advance of the launch of my redesigned website. As the proprietor of a boutique event design firm, primarily designing weddings, I am constantly captivated by the stories that others share as to how fate intervened and caused their paths to cross.
Your story offers such inspiration at a time where love is embraced more than ever before.
Should you feel inclined to copy your post on my page, I’d be deeply honored.
Thank you and best wishes for a lovely life together…
https://www.facebook.com/MURMURATION-LTD-107293527519709
René Hue
Murmuration LTD
Felicitations, Kristi et Jean-Marc! Vingt-six ans? C’est un bon commencement.💞
What a beautiful post!! And what a beautiful couple, in all ways, you are. Wishing you 26 more years, au moins, of life and love together.
What a handsome couple!
Gentle teasing and joking from a long life shared. We will be 40 years in 2021 and FWAD will be 20 in 2022.
For your readers, I wish you had identified Le Jardin alpin botanique near Villar d’Arene (not to be confused with the one in Champex, Switzerland). What a spectacular site for a collection of alpine plants! I was in heaven there and spent many hours studying the plants.
Our dear Kristi and Jean Marc,
Wishing you every blessing now and forever.
You are an example and an inspiration to all of us graced to have you in our lives.
Please know we share your joy.
Congratulations!!
Love
Natalia xo
PS please excuse the lateness of these wishes.For some reason your veautiful post was in my spam folder!!
Very sweet Kristi. Well penned too! XOXO Davide LAROUSSE
The lists on the internet 🙂 hehe made me laugh. So agree.
Congratulations to you both!