These almost two weeks here in France, just the kids and I, have brought us even closer. We are hardly ever out of each other’s site and I must say it’s been wonderful. Yesterday was the huge Bastille Day fireworks on the beach, four barges worth in the bay. We sat in the sand with hundreds of French and tourists, and watched the show (which started at 11:30pm. It doesn’t get dark till ten.) It was easily one of the most spectacular fireworks shows I’d ever seen. They’re nuts about fireworks here in France. Even on your birthday cake they stick in a roman candle.
What I also love about it here is how safe I feel for the kids. I was up in the village borrowing some wifi and the kids were complaining about how boring it was waiting for me. Ava asked, “Can’t we just go home by ourselves?” It hadn’t occurred to me but I thought about it and gave her the key. Watching the two of them march down the hill to our tiny little room all alone, rose vineyards and the Mediterranean glistening in the distance, I had to breathe so I wouldn’t cry.
I wonder if we’ll ever be closer than we are this summer. Maybe not. They haven’t made any friends this year so it’s just been the three of us. Our own tiny little team.
I think our closeness now will make it easier to start really blending my family with Amanda’s when we get back. Chet especially, needs to be reassured that he’ll always be my boy.
