Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

The French Flag Waves Blue, White, Red and a whole lot of Love

Postcards from a French Village by Corey Amaro

 

Driving home from the hospital (where we went to see our friend) this evening, I pulled into our village, drove pass the four hundred year old trees, pass the two stone fountains, down the narrow road lined with houses three floors high that date back to the 1600s, and on the corner next to the communal dumpster stood fifty or more, rolled up very old French flags.

 

 

Photo property of Corey Amaro. All rights reserved.

 

 

I briefly stopped the car, rolled down window and starred at them. By the size of the poles, the flags had to be at least four feet long and three feet wide. Parade flags I imagined. I rolled up the car window and drove away. The Brocanteur Girl inside of me yelled, "Hey, wait a minute, what are you doing? Go back! Go back! Save those flags." But the Tired Me replied, "I don't want to. And what am I going to do with fifty or so big French flags?" The Brocanteur Girl carried on, "What are you talking about? When did what-am-I-going-to-do-with-these-old-things every deter you from taking something old home?

 

The Brocanteur Girl pleaded to deaf ears, "You could give them away?"

I parked the car, walked to our home, open the door, lite a candle, poured myself a glass of wine, and didn't give the flags another thought.

 

Arles-facade

 

 

 

French Husband and Chelsea arrived a few hours later… carrying in two French flags. I starred at the beautiful old French flags in disbelief. French Husband and Chelsea in sing song fashion told me, "We saw the flags on the side of road by the dumpster! We thought of you in a heartbeat. Though we thought might not want them in the house as they are blue white and red… not your color palette, but we thought, if you didn't like them they would go into Papa's office." (Papa is how Chelsea and Sacha refer to French Husband.)

 

I asked, "Were there any more?"

"No, only these two."

I told them my story, of how I just didn't have the energy to get out of the car and take some.

"Fifty!! And you didn't take a single one?"

I shook my head no. The two of them starred at me as if I were a ghost, their utterly surprised faces made my mouth curl into a smile.

 

 

french village

 

I would never guess that the two of them would have actually stop and dumpster dive, and that I, proclaimed die hard brocanteur, would drive by.

Wonders never cease… We have two very old French flags to wave to our friend who opened his eyes briefly today.

 

Comments

46 responses to “The French Flag Waves Blue, White, Red and a whole lot of Love”

  1. Lana Kloch

    i love your family. as i wonder what i would have done if i had been there and joined you in deciding to head back home, i might feel okay about leaving them behind.
    but you would have never know how your gift and love of brocanting have coursed thru the veins of your family and watch it turn into action: stopping at the dumpster and bringing home the flags to you.
    what a fantastic feeling i share with you.

    Reply
  2. Laura

    Oh, wonderful news about your friend!! I’m so happy I have tears in my eyes.

    Reply
  3. betty parker

    I’m so thankful for the progress! I couldn’t believe what I was reading about the flags. You must have been very tired. I’m so glad Chelsea and French Husband recovered two of them. Rest…..

    Reply
  4. Diogenes

    Corey, that is too funny that they stopped and picked up flags for you!…I know very well the mental debate between “I want it, but I don’t need it, what will I do with it, does it really matter.”

    Reply
  5. Judi

    I’ve done similar things and lived to regret it. Nice you didn’t have to because your family took care of it for you, LOL. And mostly, I am glad your friend opened his eyes for awhile today – hopefully, he saw the love shining in your eyes and it helped him. Blessings.

    Reply
  6. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Was wishing I could hear the sing-song duet from Chelsea and FH. I’ll bet they were very proud of themselves.
    What a wonderful story-teller you are, especially to give us the encouraging news about your friend right at the end.
    Peace. I join with Betty Parker: rest.
    And how lovely that your family takes care of Brocanteur Girl when she doesn’t have the energy.

    Reply
  7. carol

    Your sweet family. I’m afraid I would have been loading the flags for you. So thankful for your friend’s progress. God is good.

    Reply
  8. sue at naperville now

    glad to hear the news of your friend.

    Reply
  9. Gail M

    Oh my dear…..

    Reply
  10. g

    my heart was racing and i was thinking take them -sell them- to us crazy americans-take them-then quickly the rememberance of that exhausted feeling that comes along with mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion-and the only thing that seems doable is a glass of wine, a lit candle (in my case a bed) and in yours two old blue white red 4ft. by 3 ft. parade flags-the news of your friend has bought me to tears-uniting my continued prayers with all those being said and offered for him and all involved with him-this post is a good ending to this day over here on the east coast…

    Reply
  11. Debra

    So good to hear he opened his eyes. Funny how our families take on our passions as we take on theirs although so different.

    Reply
  12. Margie in Orlando, FL

    …and that is when you know your family truly knows and loves you. What a wonderful story. And wonderful that your friend briefly opened his eyes. Wonderful!

    Reply
  13. toni

    Oh, they would not have lasted long in your brocante!
    I’d have bought one just because it would make me think of you and the gifts of smiles I’ve had reading your blog! but you have two and hopefully they look nice in Papa’s room.
    I will continue to pray along with all of your friends here for God’s grace. Rest –

    Reply
  14. Star

    You sound just plain weary, Corey, but I am glad to hear a positive sign from your friend. Hope your spirits talley before your birthday 🙂

    Reply
  15. mimi

    My sincere best wishes & prayers to all of you.
    Very sweet of your family to think of you. So much love!
    Take care…

    Reply
  16. Beatnheart

    Thinking wishing and hoping for your friends speedy and complete recovery..
    Those flags would be hugely popular here… Wow why would anyone be throwing them away?

    Reply
  17. Alena

    wonderful news!

    Reply
  18. Cathi

    You have a beautiful family! Wonderful news about your friend – continued prayers! xxoo

    Reply
  19. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    I am so glad your friend is showing some improvement. He is in my prayers and so are you. Get some rest.

    Reply
  20. Kathie B

    Hoping that your friend continues to make progress. And take good care of yourself, Corey.
    In the US, flags would never be properly disposed of that way. Yikes!

    Reply
  21. Marilyn

    Hooray for briefly opened eyes and French flags found beside the dumpster.

    Reply
  22. 24/7 in France

    Bonne recuperation to your friend – what wonderful news!

    Reply
  23. Karen@PasGrand-Chose

    I loved this story, Corey, though the very best was your last sentence. Sending warmest healing wishes to your friend and hugs to you xx

    Reply
  24. Kit

    I’m so glad that they also saw the flags and picked up the last two for you. That oh too tired feeling must have lightened when you saw them come in through the door. Thinking of you and your friend – lots of love xxxx

    Reply
  25. labergerebasque

    Good to hear about your friend…

    Reply
  26. jend’isère

    Hurrah for the bleu blanc et rouge! Share with with your friend!

    Reply
  27. Lynne

    You write beautifully . . . love your stories . . . fly that flag for that sweet soul smile . . .

    Reply
  28. teresa Cesario

    A life full of Love and Beauty….everyday..

    Reply
  29. Suzanna

    glad to hear about your friend ~ aww…..

    Reply
  30. Claudia

    I’m very happy that your friend is getting better. I’m also happy that someone or many someone’s adopted all those flags and that they left two for your loving family to bring to you. I think of old French flags hanging in homes all around the neighborhood of the dumpster.

    Reply
  31. Pam

    What a testament to love and family! You, who love the Brocante couln’t muster the energy to stop, and Chelsea and French Husband who love you, saw something that they knew would speak to you, ignored their own misgivings about dumpster diving, and stopped to get them for you. I would say those 2 flags were meant to be yours, and their sacrificial act and the accompanying story will make them very special to you!!

    Reply
  32. DebinIN

    You and your family have been on my mind..I am happy to have positive news. Flags are merely symbols after all–and in your story they symbolize so very, very much. A wonderful tale–thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  33. Jamie

    The good thing is your eyes fleetingly saw the beauty that the colorful flags were there for you to use in so many ways. On the other side of the coin, your creative energy is zapped.
    I’m glad Chelsea is there for a visit, that should brighten your day!
    I’ll be in Cali at the end of the month…

    Reply
  34. La Contessa

    BEAUTIFUL…………….I have a couple of those flags at the HEN HOUSE.They never sell……….so you did good!
    PAPA………the children call FRENCH HUSBAND.My children too call ITALIAN HUSBAND the same.
    Eyes OPEN……….that is GOOD NEWS!
    XXX

    Reply
  35. Patti Lloyd

    thanks for sharing your life and small miracles..and all the outpouring of love from your loyal readers is a blessing as well. I wish you many more miracles and blessings in the coming days.

    Reply
  36. martina

    MAGNIFIQUE!

    Reply
  37. Sher

    I’ve been thinking about your friend and wondering how he is doing. Happy to hear him mentioned in this post and thankful that he your faithful friendship, and you who love him and continue to support and encourage him.
    And, God knew your heart (and your weariness) – he sent two angels to rescue a couple of flags for you 🙂

    Reply
  38. KAMFreeman

    Corey…How simply delicious is the love that gathered two flags for the brocante gal despite her obvious exhaustion. So many prayers, bringing now the opening of eyes, a short but precious event…giving thanks for being given an opportunity to pray for your friend.
    Time now for some rest for you, time to rejuvenate the spirit of the brocante woman.
    Kristin

    Reply
  39. Peggy Braswell

    My thoughts were,”get the flags, get the flags” however your sweet FH & daughter brought them home for you. how sweet!
    Glad your friend is doing well. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

    Reply
  40. Amy Kortuem

    Hilarious! Goes to show that what’s meant to be ours will always find us!

    Reply
  41. Chris Wittmann

    I cannot imagine leaving one’s country’s flags by a dumpster, but then that’s just the Patriot in me. How sad that the French think so little of their country’s symbol! I’m glad someone rescued them, and your children brought a couple back to you.

    Reply
  42. Chris Wittmann

    Forgot to mention I just happened to be carrying a very large American flag at a rally at our Statehouse just yesterday, one among a sea of 400-500 folks in the bitter cold wind, and I can tell you it truly stirred the hearts of us all. Are the French not very patriotic anymore?
    Sending prayers for your hospitalized friend….

    Reply
  43. Jody

    A lovely story, indeed flags waving for your friend. My heart jumped a bit that his eyes opened briefly.
    Wave on, wave on! a flag shows strength and unison. Oh friend, feel the life , the air, the fanning of a breeze, breathe on your own. Let us celebrate your strength. We are united behind and before you.
    Corey, I am happy your family stopped and brought the flags home to you. And I hope they cheer your heart every time you see them!
    I am in Kentucky today, it is bitter cold and there is so snow on the ground. We are here to celebrate our granddaughters third birthday! All souls need to be cheered on to live the life given to them. I pray for your continued strength to be there for your friend. xox Jody

    Reply
  44. Karen Mitcham-Stoeckley

    Corey, Look at all the out pouring of love and good wishes towards you, FH, Daughter and dear friend. WHEN good friend recovers is there any way he can begin his own blog about reovering, or wood carving or building lasting friendship or macarme, or whatever? If he could begin to feel the love that pours towards you he could find new reasons to continue. Just a thought for the future..Karen

    Reply
  45. Jeannie

    Wonderful news about your friend. I hope this is just the first step toward recovery. Now, I believe you need to take your temp! I can understand being tired, but ignoring the brocante you warns of something more. 🙂 I would have “dumpster dove” with you and carried all of the flags home. Rest and take care of yourself, sending hugs to French Husband and Chelsea for bringing you home a different version of roses and chocolates. xo

    Reply
  46. WR

    You are indeed tired.
    Take care my friend.

    Reply

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