Stories Collected While Living in France
The first step in accepting…
denial.
When Chelsea heard about Sacha's move she said,
"Oh no! I guess we will have to break his legs."
I said, "Or kidnap him."
A box came to mind.
You see we will be in denial for a few days, he leaves September the 13th.
The adult in me is happy for him, encouraging him, but the mother in me, well that is another story completely.
I am looking for a box before Chelsea gets to him.
Do you know the song “Je Vole” by Louane? It’s from the film “La Famille Bélier,” about a girl who discovers her talent and pursues it. The first time I heard it was in the huge Tridôme hardware store; the lyrics are easy to hear and they made me start bawling, which must have made people wonder. Unless they were parents and also heard the song. Here, translated:
My dear parents I’m leaving
I love you but I’m leaving.
You won’t have any more children tonight.
I’m not fleeing but flying
Without smoking or alcohol.
I’m flying, I’m flying….
I’m crying again just typing the words.
Boxes are for so many things. Keep him inside of one so he cannot fly, sending care packages to remind him of what he is missing, or for just sending him love and best wishes. Your box, I think, will have the lid left off so he can fly, grow, and expand his world. But like a homing pigeon, he will always remember where home is.
Always so difficult! Your love will carry him.
As young adults we left home happy and free and didn’t take into consideration our parents feelings. All we could see was our new adventurous life unfolding.
Very happy for Sacha and wish him success. I can see why he loves Seattle and it will be good for him in many ways. Any chance of him moving back to France after a few years?
I guess you will have to mail the pig costume to Seattle right? Hugs, Corey. This is a big change for you.
Oh my Corey, this feeling is too raw and fresh for me too. My daughter moved from NY to Sicily a month ago. The night she left I was home alone and I wept like she had died. There’s no other way to put it. I woke up with a case of hives. ( full disclosure I was recovering from double knee surgery so in a bad way already.) And I had two years to prepare for it. Didn’t help.
You’re in prayers, Sacha too. 💖💋
One of the hardest things in life….we spend our life raising our children to be responsible, self sufficient, follow their dreams, values and then they do everything we taught them….Seattle is a beautiful city. Say the things you wanted to hear when you left for France at that age and say the things you wish someone would have said to you.
I know your heart is hurting….Blessings, my Friend.
I think your gifts are already in the box—a love deep enough to be the safety net he has always needed, arms wide enough to fly, a compass that points to true north, abundant opportunity to explore the world and to discover himself, freedom to fail, the courage to dare, an open door to come home to, and the box in his heart, mind, and soul in which he holds all these things. Much love to you, my friend.
A box will work just fine…. I wonder if you can find one at the Brocante …LOL
At least your son picked a nice city in the PNW and fairly close to Willows especially by air. It is an adventure and your son has the same adventuresome courageous spirit of his mother and father. Oh but that feeling in the pit of your stomach and that ache in your heart,,,, it is the times in our life went we know we are not in control and can only lean on God for trust and faith that it is the perfect place for your son.
It seems like we were holding the baton, telling our children to hang on tight..
as we escorted them through life. But now they are taking the lead and showing us
even more of the world. Corey use both hands and hang on!
Corey, I will always remember the story you told me about your grand mother or great grandmother. Someone was leaving and she hugged them from behind and whispered in their ear that they would always have their loving support. I’m holding your tender heart. Love to you all.
Ellen
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