My niece, Patti, is visiting Chelsea and her family in Paris to celebrate her father, my brother’s heavenly anniversary.
When Patti was 16 years old, my brother Marty and she came to France. I met them in Paris, and then we continued to the south of France. We stocked up on many memories, especially climbing up the Eiffel Tower. As there were few people there, we could hear the policemen talking to their horses at the base of the Eiffel Tower, "Voulez-vous du fromage (Do you want some cheese?)," they asked their horses. It was so strange and surreal that we cracked up laughing.
Their time together in Paris was deeply meaningful and has become a sacred memory she wants to build on. Plus, there is a bond between Chelsea and the new little ones to get to know.
Years ago, when Marty and Patti came to Paris, we stayed in this utterly take-you-back-in-time hotel with magnificent views of Notre Dame. Or, as my brother called it, "A hole in the wall that only my sister would fall in love with. But the view was good, and it was cheap."
It was sweet.
Chelsea, the two pickles, and Patti climbed the Eiffel Tower today. Olivia, wanting to be BIG, hiked up by herself. I love how her little dainty hand flows beside her. She was so proud.
Gabriel led the way. As he waited a few steps ahead, he felt the Eiffel Tower move. Very concerned, as he has a strong sense of caution, he signaled his mom to ask if this was genuinely happening and if they should be afraid. Chelsea reassured him, as he has (always) a precious awareness of his surroundings, that the vibration he felt was due to the powerful elevator taking people up and down.
I admire that about him.
Patti, Gabriel, and Olivia enjoy the view with a banana and a rice cake, feet in the air, and big American smiles, as we say in France.
Memories gathered in a bouquet of tenderness bring a sacredness to caress the wound of loss. Like a balm to the soul, memories wrap themselves around the heart, offering solace.
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