Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Back Home

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The day after you left

Quiet filled the emptiness

I woke up thinking, “Two pain au chocolat and three croisssants, do I need to buy more orange juice?” Only to remind myself no breakfast was needed.

Everything familiar is now familiar with my  memory of you attached to it. I see you at my table, sitting on the sofa, walking beside me, pouring orangina into glasses… I haven’t changed the radio channel because your songs still play.

I went for a walk alone with my thoughts. Knowing you arrived safely back home full of stories to tell and memories to relive. I miss you already, but then again I always missed you and that familiar feeling feels oddly normal, though more bittersweet.

 

 

Comments

19 responses to “Back Home”

  1. Stubblejumpers Cafe

    O I bet you do miss them! -Kate

    Reply
  2. Tara

    How beautiful, Corey!! I’ve enjoyed following your adventures with your nieces!
    You’re having a wonderfully eventful summer!!! Can’t wait to see the wedding posts!
    Cheers!

    Reply
  3. Jacklynn Lantry

    Sigh…

    Reply
  4. Bev S.

    It is hard to live so far away from family.

    Reply
  5. Kathie B

    Wow, your nieces’ visit went really fast!
    (But don’t forget to eat breakfast, because it’s the most important meal of the day).

    Reply
  6. patty g

    Such a delight to see the amazing places visited and memories you have made with your nieces.

    Reply
  7. Bev

    Beautifully expressed in words …brings tears to my eyes. It is so wonderful that you are so close and so much love in your family. More beautiful memories have been made with your nieces. I’m sure this trip has given them a whole new view in life too!

    Reply
  8. Debbie Z.

    So beautifully written, so full of family love. A trip your nieces will never forget.

    Reply
  9. Marilyn

    Sweet words for your sweet girls.

    Reply
  10. Jan D-M

    Bittersweet.

    Reply
  11. Jeanne

    Hugs

    Reply
  12. Linda P.

    When my grandchildren leave, I don’t clean the hand prints off the sliding glass door for a few days, and I smile every time I spot them at various heights on the door. That must be akin to your leaving the radio on the channel they preferred. I think all of us are going to miss seeing you with your nieces.

    Reply
  13. TEXAS francophile

    Oh what a wonderful AUNTIE you are! I can’t imagine having had that opportunity at their age. You’ve opened up the world to them, now I’ll bet there’ll be some be backs. Maybe even an annual event. Thanks for sharing. Now the wedding is close and I’m so excited. I can’t remember if your Mother is going to attend? I hope so. I’ll go back and read the instructions for tuning in. Now take a few days to rest and reflect. Xoxoxo Franco

    Reply
  14. Susan May

    This really resonates with me, as I was up in Alaska, again. (Last time I traveled North, I saw you on the way, in San Francisco!)
    Saying goodbye to loved ones is never easy; I really miss my dad.
    Now that I’m back home, I need to catch up on your blog posts with the Nieces. Take care, Corey!

    Reply
  15. Diogenes

    You reinforced your connection with the girls by bringing them to visit your world. Glad you got them for awhile.

    Reply
  16. Wisps of Words

    It was wonderful…….
    Mari-Nanci

    Reply
  17. charland

    Oh, but memories you will have tucked in your heart.

    Reply
  18. Nikki

    This is beautiful and has me weepy thinking of my grandchildren who live far away. I too share the familiar weight of loneliness, but then again that’s love. Your words should be penned into a song. Absolutely lovely to read.

    Reply
  19. Susan

    Saying, “Bye,” after so many great days together sharing the joys of youth and traveling abroad is hard. I feel great sadness each time I travel and spend time with my relatives in the UK. Take care, Corey. LOL, Susan

    Reply

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