Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Pure Gift in Each Step

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French Husband returned to France and I will soon follow with Sacha at the end of the month. Chelsea awaits in France for the car keys (she did not drive to Rome.)

Returning to France will be interesting after these long enduring seven months away. I cannot imagine what it will be like, mixed emotion seems evident. I feel my Father's death will take on new meaning because of the distance of being so very far away. Yet to be HOME! To be back with my family in our house, to have my daily life back.

 Life seems surreal at times.

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It has been the fullest, longest and heart wrenching seven months of my life. I am not complaining. I have been extremely fortunate to be able to spend this time with my family, to be able to be by my Father's side at his hour of need. In time this experience, the bits and pieces will come together giving me a clearer view… right now it is still fresh, tender and slightly uneven at times. I am often caught off guard with a rush of emotion.

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During these seven months I have seen daily how large and wonderful life is. How even in the darkest hour there is light, hope… promise that love is worthy even in the separation that death brings.

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Looking forward, with the past tucked near to heart, the steps are full of promise and that makes each day pure gift. Life will lead me forward.

Photos that I took of French Husband and I while holding the camera out at ams length.

         

              

              

Comments

36 responses to “Pure Gift in Each Step”

  1. Jeanne

    Your posting deeply touched my heart.
    You are all lucky to have one another……….
    And in the end the love we take will be equal to the love we make
    The Beatles.
    Love and hugs and prayers
    Jeanne

    Reply
  2. Katy

    When you get home – a belated happy 50th birthday, Corey.

    Reply
  3. Ellen Cassilly

    Corey,
    I wish you the very best upon your return. It will be lovely to go about your daily tasks. I imagine that you will continue the grieving process but it will be slower, deeper and more fine grained – and maybe more out of the blue. Like picking out a shirt to wear one morning and suddenly thinking of your father. But it will be OK because you will be in your home and can give yourself the time and space you need to be with it. You have been very courageous and it has been a long road. Your mother will miss you deeply. Hugs, E How is Shelley doing?

    Reply
  4. Merisi’s Vienna for Beginners

    I am happy for you that you were able to share this saddest of times with your mother and in the cradle of your family and wish you all the blessings imaginable for your return home.

    Reply
  5. Ann Voskamp (Holy Experience)

    Exquisite pictures, you two. I think because the photos capture who you are… on the inside.
    Every blessing as you go where He leads, Corey…
    All’s grace,
    Ann

    Reply
  6. constance lefevre forehand

    you are a wonderful daughter. your heart knows what is importatnt. enjoy this next chapter in your life.

    Reply
  7. Candy

    Wow. Seven months. It has been a blessing for your mother to have you there. She will sorely miss you. Your family has been amazing. You have been amazing. Thank you for taking us along on this journey. I’ve learned so much. You have inspired me to love more deeply.

    Reply
  8. anna

    Through your lovely and touching words, I can almost feel your heartstrings tugging for your home and all that is familiar to you. You will be carrying seven months worth of loving experiences and memories and your heartstrings will be tugging for your mom and all those you leave behind. I wish you peace, dear Corey, and a joyful reunion with your nest.

    Reply
  9. cat

    Thank you for reminding of hope,love and light, while I struggle with my troubles. Your writing is a balm for the soul.

    Reply
  10. Marilyn

    Corey,
    Thanks for sharing your journey. It makes all our lives richer for the sharing of the tears and the joys.

    Reply
  11. Penny

    Your daily journal has been so touching. You and your family are so blessed to have each other. You were so fortunate to be able to spend so many months with your family. Many new beginnings for all of you.
    Your words are poignant and thought provoking.
    You’re an amazingly talented, gifted photographer. You not only capture the image- but the emotion too.
    Wishing you and your family continued strength and healing.
    Penny

    Reply
  12. Jeanette

    Safe trip home Yann. Soon Corey you will be home and life will return to your daily dance with the broom, mop, dust rag and dishes. And all your hunts to find new treasures. But that dance will be broken up with a new driver trying to break you down for the keys! As always when you leave you have a little piece of your family with you at all times; your heart will never let them go. The best part of being home for you will be your own BED I am sure!

    Reply
  13. martina

    Did the bathroom (or was it kitchen?) remodel work proceed while you have been in California. Oooh the feeling of coming home after a long absence, seeing those familiar things you had forgotten or missed. Best of all, sleeping in your bed!

    Reply
  14. Rosemary

    Hello Corey,
    I am looking forward for you to get back to your home. So glad to hear that the new driver, did not drive to Rome.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  15. Beachy

    How lucky you are, Corey, for wherever you are, your favorite things are, whether here or in France! You have loving family all around you wherever you go!

    Reply
  16. Miss Sandy

    Corey,
    I will continue to pray you through your new journey as you return home. Blessings of safe travel for your husband and for you and your son upon your return. Please tell your mother she too has a special place in my prayers. I know your leaving will be hard for her. You have such a unique and special family, you are blessed beyond measure. Thank you for letting us take a peek into your private world and feel that we have been made a part of it.

    Reply
  17. Star

    So many changes ahead. Opportunities to reconnect, explore the once-familiar with new eyes, and grow from the experiences you’ve had.
    Wishing you wonderful days ahead as you soak up your remaining time with Stateside family and safe travels home.

    Reply
  18. annieelf

    Hone (soon) at last. When life settles down for you, hope to see you blogging and visiting around again. Hugs, Annie

    Reply
  19. Mo’a

    I can’t begin to imagine how bitter sweet these months have been for you.
    I do have a sense of being in two worlds…When in France missing you family and friends in the US and when in the US missing your family and friends in France. I have a three way pull, Iceland, US and Denmark.
    It makes for a fuller life…however the holes in our heart are more numerous.

    Reply
  20. Brother Mathew

    It has been quite a journey. Thanks Sister.

    Reply
  21. Ulla

    Watching you dear Corey, has been like seeing life in fast forward. I hope HOME will allow you rest and time to relax. Miss you…

    Reply
  22. Suzanne

    Life will certainly lead you forward dear Corey. May you keep feeling the touch of our friendship, wherever and whenever.
    Love*

    Reply
  23. angela

    Corey,
    While I sit here with tears running down my face and praying for you all as I type this, I am also thanking God for dropping your blog into my lap. I love looking at that the pics(you are such a wonderful photographer-your photos have their own story), seeing the french family and hearing abt. your life(which seems so foreign to this Ga. girl), the most important part to me is that God always gives you the words that I need to hear. It is so strange that I drop by to check on you and instead am touched by your words and how they are what I need at that moment. Thank you for sharing so much of your self with us(me) and I will continue to lift you all in my prayers. Love, Angela

    Reply
  24. Anna

    Corey,
    It is a great gift that you have given to your parents, that is to be with them while your father completed his life’s journey on this earth. It is also a gift that you were able to give yourself- to be with them and to help them because your own family supported you on this journey. You will always have the memories of the past 7 months to treasure when you are back on the other side of the ocean. Thank you for sharing your journey- your photos are beautiful and the text often moving- it is a gift that you have shared with us all. Regards,
    Anna

    Reply
  25. Kris Franklin

    Everything that you have experienced has, in some way, or another, been shared by someone else. Diffrent faces, diffrent places. You are never alone in your journey. I wish you peace and wonderful memories of your father as you travel the next leg of this sojourn solo.
    Kris

    Reply
  26. Shelley Noble

    Adorable photos! Your artful wit is intact!

    Reply
  27. Anyone Can Quilt

    Your words are always so real, and beautiful. Thanks you so much for continually brightening my day! x

    Reply
  28. ginnycartersmallenburg

    I have found that the best and the worst times of one’s life is when we feel most alive and actually experience deep emotions. I am sure France has missed you all these months. How wonderful to have such a close family.

    Reply
  29. MaryBeth

    so wonderful to see your sweet face and smile!
    Everything is Possible with Love
    and so will this next transition from your very first home back to your home.
    You are in my thoughts * prayers always
    xoxo

    Reply
  30. Elaine L.

    It’s hard to believe that most of us have been here with you every day for the past seven months.
    Don’t you find that remarkable? It gives me goose bumps when I think about it.
    Although I haven’t met you, I feel like you have become a dear friend. I feel your mixed emotions at leaving. I will miss your CA family posts, but look forward to your return to France and sharing tid bits of your life there.
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  31. Trish

    So…I’m wondering if tortillas, chocolate chips and nuts will still be a necessary staple as you head back home to France…I was remembering your last “customs experience”..it makes me smile. Your stories are such a delight.
    Safe journey to you and your wonderful family…
    I am betting there will be a French vacation in your mom’s near future.

    Reply
  32. qualcosa di bello

    the capture of this time has been a very generous gift to all your readers…i so admire your example in these months. your photo progression in this post is so sweet it makes my eyes tear up… may your voyage home be blessed…

    Reply
  33. Terri Pollhein

    I wish, dear Corey, that I could write like you…when I read your posts I feel as if I’m there with you sharing a cup of coffee (or other more potent adult beverage if it’s after noon!) and listening to a friend share heart thoughts….You have such a special gift!!!
    It will be so good to finally be home again. I know that parting from your mom will be hard, but what a blessing that she’s had you there with her for so long!
    I know she is so grateful for your love and support these past few months.
    God bless…

    Reply
  34. christine

    Corey – you have shown us all how to do this…to live life and experience all it has to offer. Thank you for your continued insight and grace and may you return home with the knowledge that you spent the last 7 months doing exactly what you needed to do….bravo!
    christine

    Reply
  35. Mary

    There is no place like home…and for those of us who crossed the pond our heartstrings shiver when we leave either shore…………often not knowing where home truly is.
    I hope Yann arrived home safely and that you will be strong as you leave your mom and California family to join him and the children. Remember, you can always come back to visit – and you will.
    Looking forward to October.
    Warm hugs – Mary.

    Reply
  36. b

    My heart lept for joy when I saw that you were going home. I, for some reason, can feel how much you family missed you and how torn you must feel. Hug you mom for me! She will be fine! She will be fine!
    b

    Reply

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