There is a connection between people who love one another that runs deeper than time and space, a bond that unites in an unseen world that intertwines memories, moments collected unknowingly, the essences of love that cannot be defined by words.
I am holding on to that invisible cord that wraps around me with my family and friends. Leaving is never easy. Goodbyes trigger the space that I know will be between us, the ache of senses that go unfilled. That space that I must put back into the familiar place in my life that is safe but does not haunt me every day with "longing to be with that person". But at this moment it is not easy to say Goodbye such a familiar word when one lives abroad.
Of course, we are fortunate to have the tools, the energy, the means to see one another more frequently than ever before, but even with all that I am selfish and would like it to be easier, easy as around the corner to drop in whenever... Lend a hand, share an impromptu meal, sit around and watch the day passby...
We entered Sacha's new world, his place he has called home for the last fifteen months.
Seattle is fantastic city and the area around is beautiful. Plenty to see, do, interact and be part of, even if the skies are more grey than Provence and the drizzle part of the day to day life it wasn't as hard to adjust to as I thought it would be. Mind you I carried an umbrella defining myself as a tourist. People in Seattle seem to view drizzle and cold as a way of life we were dressed for our coldest day in January and our hair turn into puff balls.
Sacha looking more American than French.
We met up with a few friends Judy and Bill who we met through blogging years ago, they have one of the most enchanting love stories that I know. Sacha spent last Christmas and will spend this Christmas with them in Portland.
We saw my cousins Ginny and Courtney and their husbands Jim and Craig. Sacha was an intern for Craig and Courtney in their Production Company Kontent Partners. Sacha does some freelance for them.
We visited Martina, who was one of the first persons ever to read my blog. Over the years I have come to know Martina through her comments and emails. Martina lives in Seattle and has 69 or so rose bushes. This year for Chelsea and Martin's wedding she lovingly gathered and dried to perfection five gallon bags of rose petals for the wedding toss. How thoughtfully generous is that!
A blurry photo of Lamont and Julie who we also met through blogging years ago, they come to France every year, they stayed in the House Next Door and while Lamont rode his bicycle over the mountain trails behind our home, Julie took French lessons with one of the locals.
And Christy, who lived in Provence, married a Frenchman has three children. When they lived in France we hung out together. Often with our children and at the brocante. We use to have to go opposite ways at the brocante as we liked similar things. Many years ago Christy and Co. moved back to Seattle. Christy's daughter Natacha has stayed with us, and now is studying in Paris. Christy's daughter Sonja is the one who gave me one of the best gifts of my LIFE... she is the one who told me she has an allergic reaction to caffeine which caused her to have migraines, I never had thought my migraines were caused by caffeine but they were!
We had a wonderful time exploring Seattle, with Sacha and our friends. There is plenty more to see, do and just be in this place which Sacha has bloomed. The comfort and joy knowing he is happy, he is doing well, he is growing...
A gum wall. Really, a tourist attraction? It was disgusting, and smelled sweet like candy which was an odd combination.
Space needle walking on the glass floor.
We were not cold how could we be with Sacha surrounding us with his love and attention.
Oh Beautiful Boy we love you.
xxxx
I adore your visit to Seattle. So close, yet so far still from Portland. How wonderful to see your son's world. Now you can go home and visualize where he is much better. I don't think I have seen that gum wall, hummm? Think I will skip it. But I do need to explore more of Seattle.
Posted by: Marilyn | 30 November 2018 at 05:56 PM
Corey, it looks like a wonderful trip to Seattle. It may be sad to be separated, but look at the rich experiences you get to share when reconnected and catching up. Thanks for posting pictures of your blog friends, Judy, Bill, and Martina.
Take the ferry across to Victoria BC if you have the time! That high altitude bench on the Space Needle (I assume that's where it is) I could not do!
Posted by: Diogenes | 30 November 2018 at 07:18 PM
In the same boat - my son working in Seattle. He's 22 and just out of college which he attended close to home. We visited a couple of weeks ago and will see him at Christmas.
I think you and I and most moms feel the same. When I'm with him I feel a physical tug to not let him be far away and I realize that I am profoundly content when he is nearby. But a while after we've said goodbye my feelings change from sad to glad that he's doing what he should be doing, growing and becoming independent.
It's happy and sad at the same time.
Posted by: Lil | 30 November 2018 at 08:59 PM
Oooh, Diogenes: we loved Victoria, too!
Posted by: Kathie B | 01 December 2018 at 03:45 AM
Precious post, I am nodding, I can relate to it so well. Especially the *goodbyes" part.
Also, I lived in Seattle, in Queen Anne Hill, for several months, til I became engaged to my hubby and moved back to Alaska to get married!
Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
Posted by: Susan | 01 December 2018 at 06:49 AM
I will think of Sacha as my husband and I spend Christmas in Portland, where we live, with our son and his French husband, who live in New York City. I understand how you feel upon leaving Sacha in Seattle and returning to France, and I will share those feelings when we bid adieu to our Johnny and Fabien as they leave Portland to return to New York City after Christmas.💜
Posted by: Leslie in Oregon | 01 December 2018 at 10:08 AM
So beautiful. You’ve created an absolutely enchanting world for your family. Your love of family and life is contagious. Thank you for the reflections on your blog.💫💛
Posted by: Elizabeth | 01 December 2018 at 03:46 PM
Your love of life, family and friends is so rich. I love your positive outlook. I have a son and daughter too, who I live with and near and after reading your blog just want to hug them like you do when living far away and leaving each other.
My husband was from Seattle and his family owned and started Pike Place Market in 1907. Got to go to a special celebration and family reunion on its 100th anniversary with special tours and went to the theater next to the gum wall😜. It is one of the most unique parks in the world. Many interesting things about it and how they take care of their people
Posted by: Suki Tutthill | 01 December 2018 at 05:25 PM
You were so near, well nearer than France or California! Perhaps next time you could come across to Victoria. I should certainly drive down island to meet you or you you drive up Island and stay in Comox!
Posted by: Barbara | 01 December 2018 at 06:16 PM
Gum tree in Père Lachaise! http://www.fugitif.net/ip/4630/index.php
Posted by: Kris | 05 December 2018 at 12:23 PM
So enjoyed your journey to see baby boy, family and blogging friends. Can you believe how many friends you’ve made as a result of your blog??? I hope you plan a trip to Texas to see Roundtop. You talk about brocante???!
Posted by: TEXAS francophile | 05 December 2018 at 03:15 PM