Not trying to find an excuse, but I know I’m going to have many days where I’m going to think this is completely ridiculous. I’m not a writer, I don’t have that much to say and IS ANYBODY READING THIS ANYWAY?? Today is one of those days.
This day last year I was holding on to every ounce of hope that my father’s life could be spared for just a little while longer. It’s human, I guess, to be in denial about death until it hits you right in the heart. And even when it’s staring right at you, you want to believe that life will prevail because no matter how bad things are, life is a beautiful thing. Death forces us to think of our own mortality. In my case, I just could not imagine life without the best friend I’d ever known. Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of his demise and I am blown away that a year goes by so quickly. It sometimes seems like it just happened yesterday. I miss him everyday.
He would be very proud that I’ve taken on this challenge. He knew how much I love everything French and encouraged me to fulfill my dream of living there some day. He was my inspiration for sure and I know he continues to cheer me on. I will continue to dream because as he would say…”Life is short and you must live on!”
The title of today’s blog, Bonjour Tristesse, is a book written by a young French girl in 1954 named Francoise Sagan, when she was only 18 years old. It ranked #41 in Paris newspaper, Le Monde’s 100 Books of the Century (1999). It is a coming of age story, illustrating the unique relationship between a father and daughter. It was made into a movie in 1958, starring Geoffrey Horne, Deborah Kerr, Jean Seberg (love her pixie cut!), and David Niven. A must see. Get it on Netflix.
Not going to blog tomorrow – but check back with me on Sunday.
Bonne nuit tout le monde!
RT
It’s cathartic to write our thoughts. I too think of the recent events in my own life and the frailty of life. My own father…now this juxtaposition in our relationship: I’m my parents “parent”.
Bonjour mon amie et bon annee. J’espere que tu vas bien avec ton famile et francais.
A plus et bisous,
S
Mon cher amie!
Love and hugs to you – sorry I missed you when you were in NY, but I know how hard it is to have sick family (your dad AND sister) in the hospital. I know you are with me all the time. Let’s embark on this French thing together! Any suggestions/ideas are more than welcomed!
A bientot!
Rose
Hi Rosemary! I’m reading and following. I love your blog entry today about your father. I can only imagine the sadness you feel about not having your father physically here with you. But, we both know he is in heaven, watching over you and cheering you on. His love doesn’t end just because he’s not here in person to give you a strong hug. I admire your dedication to learning and striving for more.
Keep up the good work.
Mon Amie!
Thank you for your beautiful message – I know my father is with me always. I am determined not to be sad this year, and part of my happiness is French, so I will try to continue to be dedicated and prove to myself that I can do this!!
Love you, always think of you and I promise I will see you in San Antonio this year!
Would love to see you again!
Sending love and hugs…and wishes that we can meet up soon.
Sherry
P.S. Definitely going to get the movie through Netflix – thanks for the suggestion!
Sherry
365daysoffrench…
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I stumbled upon your bog because I love Jean Seberg was following links from one page to another. I have to say, when I started to read, I had to double check that I didnt create this and just forgot about it. I cant tell you how sorry I am to hear about your Dad. I too have lost my father, the most honorable and decent man I have ever known. I lost my Dad in 2009, and I miss him everyday. Every second of every day. I wish I could tell you it gets better, I havent felt it yet, but what keeps me going is I know I will see him again someday and I feel him all around me always (crying now) I just had to reach out to you. Hang in there, and never stop dreaming or reaching for your goals. I also have a dream and goal of living in France one day as I am such a francophile, I continue to fight for those dreams, my Dad is right here fighting next to me. (crying bad). Take care.
Thank you for your beautiful message. Today is my father’s birthday. And I continue to miss him and think of him…everyday. Am at work…but my eyes swelled up reading your email. We are not alone. Would love to talk live…it is rare to find someone that has similar interests and above all…heartaches.
My family is going through a bad time right now and all I can think about is that my father is guiding us from above. I know your dad is doing the same. We need to hold on to that. If I didn’t have my faith and the certainty that I will be with him again some day…I don’t know that I could continue to have a positive outlook on life.
I haven’t been spending time on my blog because life does get in the way – but I do plan on starting up again soon.
You seem genuine and honest so i will go ahead and send you my cell phone – it is 646-773-4757. Feel free to call me so we can talk about our loss – and our hopes and dreams. Maybe our dad’s have joined us in our pain.
Rosemary