I was working on the following story about Jackie when my sister, Kelley, called to tell us our Dad was going into the hospital following some fatigue and disorientation. I am flying to the US to hold Dad’s hand and cheer him back to recovery. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for “Kip”, our dear dad. (Picture of Dad by my sister, Heidi)
TODAY’S WORD: le cœur : heart
PRONUNCIATION: [luh kur]
Example:
Elle est rentrée de New York le cœur bien rempli.
She came back from New York with her heart full.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
After another meaningful stay in the U.S., Jackie is home. I say “home” because, after all these back-and-forth séjours—some as long as three years—our daughter keeps landing in France, which delights this mama’s heart. But that may not always be the case, especially after what she discovered on her last-minute périple to Brooklyn…
It all began in early spring, when Jackie felt another strong pull stateside. She wasn’t sure where she wanted to momentarily live, and began questioning, Do I go to Seattle, near my grandparents and Aunt Kelley? Or to Florida, where friends from my Miami days still live? Or venture to New York, where I have a few French contacts?
Our intrepid traveler began searching co-housing options in Manhattan and, after missing an opportunity in Soho, she secured a room in Brooklyn. And just like that—c’était bouclé. We can’t explain the easy pull she felt toward New York, or even our own encouragements, “Bravo. Tout va bien se passer!” The overall feeling was positive. Jackie had no fear, not too many reservations, and a gut feeling that has carried her through the ups and downs of her twenty-seven years.
Still, when I learned our youngest was taking a late-night flight with a stopover in Istanbul and a NYC arrival after midnight, I began to feel nervous.
“Why not Paris-New York? Why did you choose that itinerary?” I asked.
“Because it was the cheapest,” she replied.
“But you should go with the safest—not the cheapest!”
“Ne t’inquiète pas, Maman. Je sais ce que je fais!”
For reassurance, Jackie added me to her tracking app so I could follow her every step of the way. When I saw she’d touched down at Newark, I was relieved—but not totally at peace. Via the app on my phone, I could “see” her getting into a cab… one that seemed to remain stalled forever. What was happening? Just what kind of ride did she get into? I remembered the time an old van had followed her for blocks, while she was out jogging in Miami… She managed to dodge the threat. Would she have the same sangfroid in another dicey situation?
Finally, the mystery car began moving through the dark cityscape. I watched it eventually go over the bridge to Brooklyn. The vehicle pulled up in front of a large building. Having exited the cab and dragged three heavy suitcases up the sidewalk, she now faced the challenge of getting inside the high rise (thank God the punch code worked) and then up several flights. Check. Check.
Only, once inside the apartment, a dozen or more rooms were unmarked. Which one was hers? There was no question of knocking on doors—it was now after 1 a.m. She quietly left her bags beside the entrance and made her way across the darkened quarters.
Finally, at the back of the large complex, beside the kitchen, she found two more rooms. One was marked: Welcome, new roommate. She figured this must be her room, and eventually rolled her luggage into a small but clean space with a view of the back patio. That’s when I received her call of assurance:
“I’m here. It’s all good. I’ll talk to you later. I’m exhausted!”
The next day, Jackie woke up to the sight of cherry blossoms. New York was in bloom! She set out to look for a job—and found just what she’d hoped for: a café-bar in her new neighborhood, right at the end of the street. That’s my girl! Three days after landing, she was ringing up lattes in the morning and mixing drinks by night. The cash would cover half of her expenses, while the rest would come out of savings.
Now, if I tell you the reason for Jackie’s last-minute dash to the States, it might seem impulsive. But listen closely—pulse… pulse… She was following the rhythm of her heart. And now, she is coming home—le cœur bien rempli. For right there in Brooklyn, not only did she find an apartment, a job, and cherry blossoms—she found love….
FRENCH VOCABULARY
le séjour = stay, sojourn
le périple = journey, often long or adventurous
c’était bouclé = it was wrapped up, all set
Bon voyage = Have a good trip
Tout va bien se passer = Everything will be fine
Ne t’inquiète pas = Don’t worry
Je sais ce que je fais = I know what I’m doing
le sang-froid = composure, self-control under pressure
le cœur bien rempli = heart full (emotionally fulfilled)
le cœur = heart
REMERCIEMENTS
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Oh, Kristi, I\’m thinking of you and your dear dad. Your presence will be a big morale boost!All the very best!Grosses bises, Gayle
Sending positive thoughts for your dad’s full recovery.
Dear Kristi,Sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery for you dad. And, wh
Way to bury the ‘lede’ in the very last sentence!!!!
Hoping your time with your dad and family is both precious and helpful.
Best wishes to your dad for a speedy recovery!
Prayers and positive thoughts for your Dad and your family.
I’m sending positive thoughts and healing energy to your dad. So glad you can be with him as he recovers.
Dear Lord, thank you so much for Kristi’s Dad and that she is able to fly over and be with him. Please heal him in the way, manner and time you know is best. Give the doctors wisdom to know what tests to run and to know how best to help. Grant him a full recovery if it’s Your will. Remind him during this difficult and scary time how much You love him and care for him. Surround him with his family to cheer him on and encourage him. I ask it in the name of our precious Savior, Jesus. Amen.
If one intends to travel back and forth from the US to France, living on the East Coast is about the best option! I live on the West Coast and it’s twice as far, feels much longer, more expensive and there are less flight options. Well, you know, because your sister and dad live in Seattle. And, NYC has so much to offer, including, it seems, a very lucky young man.
Wishing your father a quick recovery and you safe travels. And new love – fabulous.
Chere Kristi,
J\’espere que votre Pere se trouve bonne sante.
Avec compassion, Chuck Verrili Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after….Thoreau
You are in my thoughts & prayers. Hope your Dad is feeling better by the time you arrive.🙏🥰😘.
Save travels and hoping all is fine with your Dad. Enjoy your time with him and your sister.
Kristi, I’m sorry that your dad’s a bit poorly. I’m sure he will soon perk up and be back on track with you and Heidi there to cheer him on. ❤️
Wow! Jackie doesn’t sit still for long. She’s got the right idea though, travel and experience as much as possible while she’s young. ☺️
Dear Kristi! I\’m remembering you all in my prayers! I hope he is better soon. Lots of Love, Lorna from Boston
Kristi – I
Our dear Kristi ,
All our prayers are with your Dad,and of course,with you and your family.You are a wonderful daughter to be there with him,and there is absolutely no doubt that it gives him courage and strength to recover quickly and completely.
Thrilled for Jackie,too( of course!) Such happy news! Just a special and glorious time in her life!
Arms tight around all of you
Blessings always
Love
Natalia. XO
Your father has such a sweet, kind & handsome face. Wishing him a very quick recovery.
Hi Kristi,
Safe travels and prayers for your dad!
Blessings,
Eileen
Sent from my iPad
Alors….who is he? And, what will happen next? We need more info!!
Sorry, Kristi, I meant to include wishes for your Da’s recovery and good heath. I know he will appreciate having you near him.
what what?!?! who?!?! tell me everything!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Here’s to a speedy recovery for your dad and a good visit with your family while stateside. I’m sure your presence will cheer him immensely.
As for Jackie- way to leave us hanging! Now that you’ve teased us, please share Jackie’s new plans. Back to Brooklyn? Staying put for now in Ciotat? Inquiring minds want to know!
Kristi,
Thinking about your dad and his health challenges and wishing him a speedy recovery. He is a kind and handsome man made of sturdy stock so hopefully he’ll be feeling his oats again sooner than later.
I am a Sun Valley connection of your dad.
My sister Janit visited you in France probably fifteen years ago and has since passed. Both Kip and Marsh were at her Ceremony of Life ten years ago.
Safe travels! Your presence will mean the world to your dad.
Ciao.
Karryn Karrys – Toronto
Hats off to Jackie for following her heart. Love the photo! You’ve left us wondering so many things…
Best wishes for your Dad’s good health and strength. Being there with him has to be the best medicine. 🙏
C’est vrai! I’ll y a un arbre qui habit en Brooklyn.
Hoping for a speedy recovery for your Dad.
Safe travels.
And can’t wait to hear all about Jackie’s love!
Sending prayers for your dad🙏🙏🙏
and an ooh la la for Jackie💕
Dear Kristi,
Prayers for your dad. Hopefully the doctors will discover why this happened and come up with a resolution quickly.
I’m sure he and the rest of your will be encouraged by your presence. I have always found your relationship with him to be so very touching.
Jackie’s trip must have had some divine direction…as if she unconsciously knew to go to NYC.
In both instances have faith for a favorable outcome…
Sending healing prayers for your Dad and blessings to Jackie on her adventures.
Uh, oh….Love is in the air…..LOVE your new format So easy to comment.
Prayers for a quick recovery for your Dad…And JOY that your daughter has found ….LOVE! Eileen Burns XOXOXOXOX
What? You’re going to leave us ‘hanging’ about Jackie and her new love?
Enjoy your time with your dad and hope he’s doing better!
We need some updates! How is your father doing? Have they diagnosed the issue? How are you doing with worry and anxiety? Did Jackie meet someone in NYC or is this someone she met in France? Lots of big questions remain unanswered. All of you are in my prayers.
Bonjour, Kristi,
Quelle fille de bon coeur! Tu as élevé une fille sage; Jacquie est, comme toutes de sa génération, une citoyenne de la monde. Mes félicitations à toi!
Amitiés, Joanne
Kristi, Hope your dear Dad is doing better and you are able to return home soon. But what has happened to Jackie’s Love?? Did he follow her to France? Send good news!
Kristi, I hope your father is healing well, and that the doctors find out what his symptoms mean. It will be a comfort for him to have you by his side.
Let us know when you are able.
Frances
Hi Kristi,
I am so sorry to bother you with this, but for some reason, this post is oversized to fit into my available screen. I was able to read most of it, but some words were off the page and could not figure out what to do about it. The photo of your dad (duplicate I think of the first one), was huge.
I am hoping he is doing well and on the mend now. And, it sounds like Jackie has found someone who is capturing her heart. Hoping to read more next time.
Thanks for any help you can give me. But take care of your dad and yourself first! No rush.
Lindsay Tognetti
Oh my! I can’t wait to hear the next part. My 24 year old son just moved to Brooklyn in February of this year, and after an initial housing debacle finally landed in a good space with 2 good roommates.
I love everything you post and hang on every word that you share. Especially the French words even though I don’t know how to pronounce-I’m blushing. I love what you write and promise to buy your last book. Hugs from Seattle♥️
Can’t wait to find out more about Jackie’s love.
My friend,
You have described what I have always said,
Once a mother, always a mother and children are hers, no matter the age.
Good for you.
Jean.