Gabriel has a friend. A friend is a man who works as a cashier at the little grocery store next to their apartment in Paris. The cashier has befriended Gabriel by talking to him whenever he comes in, "Hello Gabriel, how are you today? What do you have? What are you doing? Where is Mom? Is this your grandmother?" He encourages him to talk with a question. Of course, at first, Gabriel was shy. Still, over time, he’s become buddies, and now when he goes into the grocery store, he runs to the cashier man going into his stall; with a giggle, he knows he has a friend ready to engage with him, and whatever the cashier man is doing, he stops happily talks to Gabriel, "Hey, buddy, what’s new? What do you have you been doing today? How is your sister? How was school today? Whoever is waiting at the checkout counter stands anxiously and waits, but that does not bother Gabriel and the Cashier. Those who live in the neighborhood expect it; it is their grocery store. It is more than a grocery store; it is a meeting place.
At the market in Cassis, two women sell their vegetables directly. The vegetables are fresh, beautiful, in abundant often; I’ve asked for recipes, as many locals do, and their recipes have a traditional Provencal flair. They have gladly shared them with me. I enjoy cooking and hearing different tricks and flavors about it. I wondered how they made their traditional PISTOU soup; each person has a slightly different take. Graciously, she shared her recipe as if we were sitting and having a coffee at a café; "I do not put tomato in mine; I use potato instead of pasta; make your pesto, and add the rind of the Parmesan to the vegetables as they simmer, it adds flavor..." the people in line becoming agitated, most of them tourists, forgetting to slow down, wanting to buy and go, the other locals were listening and adding their two cents to the recipe, as I expected they would. One of the tourists huffed, "Please, hurry up. This is taking too long. Can you do this later?" In which the vendor turned to her with a rebuttal, "Look, this is a community. I’m not here only to sell my homegrown vegetables but to be part of the community. We talk, we share recipes, we laugh, we ask about each other’s children; if you want something fast, there’s a grocery store around the corner, go there, buy your food, but if you want to have a conversation, if you want to buy from my stand, you might have to wait a while."
Gabriel skips happily to the grocery store in the big city, and the cashier bends down to greet him and personally treats Gabriel as if they’re best buddies; they are, creating community. The other day Gabriel took him a drawing, one of his unique drawings of suns and flowers. The cashier was so touched. He talked to Gabriel for at least five minutes. They spoke of the details, the colors in his drawing, and the kindness of sharing.
Life as it should be, community-oriented, kind, and sharing of time.
What a beautiful way of living
Thanks for all you share
Much love
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 03 June 2023 at 11:17 AM
This is wonderful.
Posted by: Lil | 03 June 2023 at 04:56 PM
Corey how i long for this! I want to live in a community as such-here even though the area is residential there seems to be no time- it is so frustrating-and disappointing and sad. i love reading encounters like this-SUCH JOY building relationships and friendships-joy shared sorrow divided -JUST WONDERFUL!!
Posted by: g | 03 June 2023 at 05:36 PM
That is truly beautiful!
If we could all have and embrace that community, how wonderful it would be!
Posted by: BeckyFar | 03 June 2023 at 11:17 PM
Grandchildren are such a blessing.
Posted by: christine allen | 04 June 2023 at 04:50 AM
This is such a lovely story to share with us, Corey. What a beautiful friendship between Gabriel and the cashier. Thank you once again for making me smile and warming my heart.
Posted by: Kathy | 04 June 2023 at 06:59 AM
Well done Gabriel and the ladies who sell their hand reared delights...it is nice to share ideas, happiness and community...werll done! Cheers Jennie, NZ
Posted by: Jennifer Phillipps | 04 June 2023 at 11:18 AM
We city Americans are the worst about rushing to do this or that. I love this story. I would have loved being in line at the market with you. Smelling all the fresh veggies and
Listening to you speak in French about your recipe.
Posted by: Texas Francophile | 04 June 2023 at 01:29 PM
I love what you have written. My husband & myself are retired. I absolutely love when we go food shopping, stopping to look at all the wonderful fruits and vegetables. I do not rush, why should I! I enjoy taking in everything around me, that is what Life is for. What a sweet grandchild your Gabriel is and kudos to those lovely shopkeepers. ♥️
Posted by: Melanie | 04 June 2023 at 02:21 PM
Lovely. xo
Mardawg
Posted by: Mardawg | 04 June 2023 at 04:04 PM
I love this story. Sometimes we forget how important these conversations are. It teaches children respect and sense of community. We are always in such a hurry! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Judy | 04 June 2023 at 05:56 PM
Bonjour à tous,
Thank you Corey for sharing such sweet stories. Recently it was highlighted that one of the reasons Sardinia is a "blue zone" (a population of centenaires; 100+ year-olds) is community.
We are grateful for our 3-D community in Nice, people we see regularly in our daily life as well as those for which we feel a connection via such resources as your beautiful blog.
Bonne journée à tous,
Ella
Posted by: Ella Dyer | 05 June 2023 at 08:35 AM
YES! Thank you. We must focus on the positives, the good, the nurturing.
Posted by: Paula Tyner Hayden | 05 June 2023 at 04:34 PM
What a loving community and so sweet how Gabriel is embracing it as well! He will have those memories his entire life. Lucky little boy!
Posted by: Stephanie M | 06 June 2023 at 01:22 AM
Just imagining these encounters touches my heart.
How beautiful! I would love this.
Posted by: marilyn | 06 June 2023 at 02:39 AM