May 14, 2008
It was a very long day, May 14th. We had done sightseeing, and a visit to the original grave yard of my father, a magnificent lunch at the home of Iffig's parents, the Town Hall meeting of the Mayors, the visit to the grave of Francois Le Roux, a visit to the B-17 Wing shed, a tour of Kerjean Castle, coffee and pastry at Jean-Claude Abgrall's home, and now it was time for a farewell reception at the Saint Vougay meeting room for a last toast and to say goodbyes. My heart was heavy to leave these wonderful, wonderful people.
I was very, very tired. So people and names blurred at the time. I could not think of all who I had met, of all who paid me kindnesses beyond any dream. In this picture were many of them. Martine (sitting next to Yvon Cretteau, a reporter for the newspaper Ouest France), Jean Louis, Dede, Herve Bramoulle, Monique, Jean Paul and Iffig. But there were more. I know Ronan Gestin (Brest44) sat and read my poetry chapbook and I was able to give him a copy of it when we returned to Iffig's. I know Michelle and Bernard hung in with me, still translating for me to the end. In fact,without Bernard, I never could have done the interview with Monsieur Cretteau.
Herve, Marine and Jean Louis -- now seemingly old friends to me!
And the dearest man, Iffig. Always calm, always kind, always anticipating my
needs and thoughts.
And always having to open another bottle of RED wine!! For that woman!!
The charmers: Guenole and Bernard - musicians and tall, smart, beautiful men.
And here she is--talking, talking, talking to the reporter while Martine
looks on. Poor Bernard interpreting the wild mind of an exhausted, happy,
and exhilerated woman.
Here was one of the articles from the newspaper:
And yes, we did, finally go home.
This was the farewell reception before I retired to Iffig's house for a beautiful dinner which Martine managed to cook after this whole day of work and visiting houseguests, and tributes and receptions. Martine is a miracle worker!
Look at this shrimp specialty salade she prepared our dinner!! Delicious and beautiful, like Martine herself.
We had an intimate gathering -- and it was lovely that Bernard and Michelle could stay so late for our last supper together. It was past my bedtime, and my heart and mind were reeling with the events of the past two days. I had to excuse myself to go to sleep at 11:30 pm. My dreams were the best.
This is the mural on the wall of Iffig's study. It was done by an artist friend of theirs named Christian. The scene is a loving rendition of "pieces" of the lives of
the Paluds. The cows, the musical instruments, the red cross for Martine's hospital work, the pastoral Brittany settings and little "hidden" clues are painted in, which Iffig says they are still discovering. A small face here, a symbol there. This lovely mural reminds me of my voyage to France. Brittany is one huge painting for me to remember, but there are all the faces, the symbols, the events painted in--the details of friendship and love bestowed on me, which will make this trip more unforgettable than anything before in my life.
I thank every single wonderful person in and around Saint Vougay who made this miracle possible for me. There are simply no words sufficient to express my thanks.
I will try to write letters soon. There is much yet to be done. But this is a start.
I love you all.
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# posted by bevjackson @ 6:01 PM
