Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

My Mom

 

My mother fell and fractured her pelvis.

She also had four stitches above her eye.

And a raccoon got into her chicken pen and killed one of her ladies (as she calls them).

That bothered my mom the most.

Her chicken!

And that she has to be very still for a long while.

We are not certain what the path to healing will be or look like.

I just want to go home and be by her side.

 

When I was 29, marrying a French man and moving to the other side of the world, I didn't consider 

the long years ahead and how that move would change everything in the future.

How could I?

I was in love and trusted that love would find its way around whatever transpired.

Watching loved ones growing up, growing older, and seeing the repercussions of having a big family and the physical distance between us 

is not for the faint of heart. Nor for my tender heart.

Love is tricky in how it ropes you in around caring so deeply that you will do anything you can and at the same time shows you when to let go.

 

Please keep my mom's firecracker personality and her need to stay still in your loving prayers.

She won't be happy that I wrote it here on my blog so please don't tell her.

 

 

 

Comments

53 responses to “My Mom”

  1. Lil

    Sorry this happened! Best wishes for your mom’s speedy recovery. It’s hard to be far away but nice that you have such a big family who will be there.

    Reply
  2. Patti

    Praying for your mom’s complete recovery!

    Reply
  3. Joan

    I am so sorry and will send healing thoughts to California. She must follow the doctor’s orders!

    Reply
  4. Penni

    Such a scary fall, and doggone those raccoons! I will most definitely pray for her, and you! It’s difficult to be so far away from each other!

    Reply
  5. Jeanne

    My prayers are with your beloved Mother. WE must all be so careful of falling always
    My love to you all

    Reply
  6. Zariginal

    Can only imagine how hard it will be to keep your mom down! I hope that she heals quickly and is back to doing what she loves – she will be in my prayers.

    Reply
  7. Linda McDaniel

    So sorry to hear your news. You and your Mother will be in my prayers.
    Linda

    Reply
  8. g

    anything Corey… in all my supplications rest assured of my united prayers with all here doing the same.

    Reply
  9. Donna Boucher

    Oh my goodness. I’m very sorry to hear about your mom’s accident. I will be praying for her Corey, and for you.
    Love
    Donna

    Reply
  10. Marilyn

    Sending your mom healing, comforting prayers and thoughts.
    As a Quaker we say “I will hold her in the light”. May she heal and return to her active self.

    Reply
  11. Melly

    Sorry to hear of your mother’s misfortune. Her “firecracker” spirit will soon have her back on her feet holding a 2×4 to teach that racoon a lesson that he won’t forget!
    Now on a serious note, praying for a full recovery for your mom and a peaceful heart for you.

    Reply
  12. Jackie clore

    Praying for your mom.

    Reply
  13. RebeccaNYC

    so incredibly frightening, Corey. Prayers wafting for your mom, and for you. xoxo

    Reply
  14. Kathie B

    I’m sorry to learn of your mother’s injury. I hope she heals well, and follows the instructions of her doctors, nurses and physical therapists in order to make the best possible recovery. I’m sure her local relatives will be doting on her, as she always has on them.
    As to moving away from one’s hometown: no matter what decisions we make in life — should I stay or should I go? — there are inevitable consequences. On the plus side, you married the love of your life, and this enabled your mom to get to spend time in France that she likely never would have otherwise, had you stayed in NorCal.

    Reply
  15. BeckyFar

    Oh Corey. So sorry to read of this.
    Praying for a full recovery. It must be so difficult for her, you and your family.

    Reply
  16. Michele

    Distance makes everything harder. The blessing is the love your entire family shares.
    My prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  17. jackie

    Oh dear, this is not good news. I am so sorry Corey. This is the side of life and love that is so difficult. I’m sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you, your family and mostly, your mom.
    xo
    jackie

    Reply
  18. Patty g

    Hi Corey,
    Ouch! Sorry to hear this news! It’s so hard for mom and family, especially the first few weeks. My mom recovered from a pelvic fracture in her 80’s, so I know a little about the road you are on. Fingers crossed for good speedy mending, and not too much pain. Sending prayers for ease, comfort, and a steady recovery.

    Reply
  19. Linda

    Oh dear Corey, what a shock! Being so far from your Mom when something like this happens must be agonizing. I know you just got home recently after a wonderful family visit, so this accident seems unthinkable. I only hope her recovery is swift and complete. Her faith and love are so strong that I am sure she will do whatever she needs to do to get well so that she can get back to doing what she loves for those she loves.
    I have often imagined the wonderful aromas coming from her kitchen. She gives so much of herself, much like you do, Corey.
    Now, it seems, the extended family will have to try to bake something for her each day. I’m sure they will cherish the task. Hugs to you all.

    Reply
  20. Barbara St. Aubrey

    Although painful for your Mom and for you worrisome this could be a gift of quiet time for your Mom to share and you to collect as many of your mother’s stories about her growing up, memories of her parents and grandparents – If you were there yes, you would help go through all the family photos but maybe a grandchild living close-by would spend a few afternoons helping to collect the stories that go with the photos. It is hard living away however, you know you’ll make it as joyful as you both are able. Butterfly prayers in both directions.

    Reply
  21. Cynthia Thompson

    Prayers for your dear Mom. My God give her comfort and strenghth during her healing. Blessings

    Reply
  22. Ella

    Chère Corey,
    Sending healing hugs to your marvelous Mom; if anyone can rebound it is her due to her “firecracker” personality, strong faith and supportive family!

    Reply
  23. Susan in Zurich

    Praying 🙏
    I have a bit of understanding, Lord in your mercy, help Corey’s wonderful mom. And give Corey wisdom and guidance. Amen

    Reply
  24. carol

    I am very sorry to hear this, Corey! Your mother and you will both be in my prayers.

    Reply
  25. Jennifer Phillipps

    As you Mom is not supposed to know, we know, I am sending my best wishes on the wind from NZ and hoping it will join all the rest of the good wishes and wash over her in a lovely warm embrace of rest and recovery…best wishes to you all..Jennie, NZ

    Reply
  26. Leonie

    Dear Corey, so sorry your Mum had a fall & fractured her pelvis & has had stitches to her face. I can only imagine your fears being away from her.
    Lots of prayers, hugs & love to you & your Mum.🙏❤🙏
    I’m scared of chooks like you with dogs but can understand her being upset. My Mum had a pet chook Henrietta & carried her everywhere 🤨 all the grandchildren did too but not me……

    Reply
  27. Kristi from Kansas City

    Praying for healing and a relaxed spirit so she can rest. Praying for wisdom for you Corey, I know the distance between you has to be so difficult during times like this. I love the beauty and love your Mom has shared with her precious family over the years, her weekly Monday dinners have inspired me and I have adopted that same event for my family on Sunday evenings, it’s our family dinner and my adult children love it. She has been a beautiful inspiration to me. ❤️
    Sending, love, prayers and healing to you all.

    Reply
  28. Niki

    Praying for you and your Mom! Such a difficult time for all of you. I’m glad you got to spend time with her on your last visit. Life is so fragile.Love to you and your family.

    Reply
  29. Jennie

    Lighting my candle for Dolores and holding it to the wind so that healing and light finds it way to her. If I had a car, I would drive up there, hold her hand and listen to all her stories. Peace to you, Dolores and your whole family. I promise I won’t mention her current situation.
    JENNIE, San Francisco

    Reply
  30. carol

    So sorry to read this. Hopefully your Mom will follow doctor’s orders and make a full recovery. I’m sure your heart is aching right now because of the distance between you. Prayers.

    Reply
  31. Teddee Grace

    I am so sorry for your mother’s current misfortunes and for your distance from her. I’ll certainly send up positive thoughts for both of you.

    Reply
  32. Darles

    I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s all the more difficult because of your feelings of helplessness. Praying for your mom’s steady recovery and for peace in your heart.

    Reply
  33. Kathy

    I am so sorry about what has happened to your Mom, Corey. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love…💕

    Reply
  34. Alan

    I understand your feelings. I come from a family of eleven siblings. I also longed for the close family ties I was missing out on, and I only moved from Chicago to Florida. Five years before my mom passed away I moved back to Chicago after 27 years in Florida. Not that I would compare Florida to France. That would be like comparing a rat to a kitten. I sure hope your mom recovers real soon, and completely.

    Reply
  35. ChicagoSheila

    Our Moms are alike…always thinking of something/someone else…awhile ago, my Mom finally went to the doctor because her “back” had been hurting her for a month. We found out that at some time she broken her tailbone. I asked her why she didn’t say anything earlier and she said, “My generation just doesn’t complain as much as yours does.”

    Reply
  36. Susie

    I’m so sorry to read this news, but honored to pray for your Mom.

    Reply
  37. Susan W

    I am far away from my family. For love. My heart often feels sore and yes, the act of letting go is a prayer in itself.

    Reply
  38. PJT

    Your mother has decorated her home and many of our lives in the process. May she recover quickly but also:
    Keep her mind active by word searches, reading the newspaper, singing, etc. It should be not just be a passive activity like watching TV. Although she must remain still, can she type? If so, maybe it’s time to write her autobiography or poems, or list of flowers in her garden,etc. Broken bones, especially in older folks affect the mind so it’s important to keep it active. I’m sure your siblings and all the nieces and nephews will keep her entertained and brain active. Prayers for her and you.

    Reply
  39. Texas francophile

    Oh i so hate to hear this news about your Mother. Falls are so ruff. She’s wise and strong. Hopefully she will follow the doctor’s order and be relentless in her quiet time and her physical therapy. As far you are concerned Corey it’s just hard. Both love and prayers will guide you.♥️

    Reply
  40. Chico Sue

    Hang on to your faith and strength! When our loved ones are in difficult times, these are the events that test us. Knowing what a positive, active woman your mom has been throughout her lifetime, you may find comfort in her resilience. Sending hugs and love and prayers.

    Reply
  41. Sally

    My mum fell and cracked her pelvis last June. The only therapy was walking, with a walking frame. She is walking better than before now thanks in part to chair exercise sessions as well. She is 95! Your mother is way more active than mine so she should recover well. Fingers crossed!

    Reply
  42. Gretchen Seibert

    Corey, It’s just my humble opinion, but I think you will feel better if you make a trip home to be with your mother. At her age, breaking a pelvis is a serious thing. If other commitments make that impossible, then you must honor those. I am so sorry for the pain your mother has and your pain of being so far away.

    Reply
  43. Cathleen

    Dear Corey,
    Being far away when my mom was ill was heart wrenching! I know what you are going through and I pray for your mom and you! I was able to go though and be by her side. I hope that you will be able to make that trip for her and for you! Again my thoughts and prayers for you both.

    Reply
  44. Jenifer Delson

    Dear Corey,
    I will send healing thoughts and prayers from Southern California to your dear mother. She took quite a fall, and raccoons on top of that. She is such a lovely, strong lady. My thoughts are with you as well.

    Reply
  45. Linda Piazza

    Everyone else has been so eloquent, especially Marilyn’s promise to hold your mother in the light, that there’s little I can add. I can let you know of another person praying for her and for you, too, as you balance needs across different continents.

    Reply
  46. Fat Rabbit

    Corey – So many prayers and healing thoughts for a strong independent woman. May your mother feel those prayers surround her with love and healing. And may you feel the love that your readers feel for you also.

    Reply
  47. Sue Young

    Oh no! Sending healing thoughts out to California!! Hope she’ll do what the dr. says!! Staying still will be the hardest thing for her, I’m sure! ❤️

    Reply
  48. Marilyn

    Oh I’m so sorry! I have a friend older than her who recovered just fine, but she had to do what her doctor told her. Prayers for her quick and complete recovery. And prayers for you and all those who love her so.

    Reply
  49. Momof5

    Oh Corey, it’s so hard and I’m so sorry. Your mom is strong in mind and spirit. While stillness will
    be tough for her I imagine she will heal well. What a lot of trials you’ve had. Sending big hugs to you. Michelle

    Reply
  50. Liane Partridge

    I am so so sorry to hear this. I do not know her, but I do love her energy and soul. She will be in my thoughts as she goes through her recovery. 🤗❣️

    Reply
  51. Mardog

    Somehow I just don’t see this slowing your mom down. Hoping she has a easy and quick recovery. xo

    Reply
  52. Kathie

    Sending healing thoughts to your mom!

    Reply
  53. Suki Tutthill

    Sending love and prayers and healing thoughts to your lovely Mom. So nice you can count on your large family to be there for her.

    Reply

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