Bernard Portet, my friend from boarding school, and I were able to see each other more often since we retired. We shared a lot about our growing up in France, being fathers and supporting each other in our daily lives. We decided to organize a picnic for our two families in a park with a big pool and a creek nearby. Helia, Bernard’s wife, being from Chile, bonded very easily with Cristina, from Colombia. I very much enjoyed our children and grandchildren having fun together. A great day under the California sun!
Later on that summer, Bernard and I decided to walk together from Condom, where I stopped that spring, into Spain. We met at the Gare St Jean in Bordeaux and by train and bus we made it to Condom. We enjoyed the company of friendly pilgrims, stayed in farmer’s homes. We entered every open village church to pray for God’s protection on our families. When we arrived in Pays Basques, we met Muriel in St Palais. We shared a great dinner and we admired the locals dancing in the square joined by my niece. A perfect evening.
While in Spain, after visiting an old convent church run by French nuns, I realized I lost my passport. Soon a young group of Spaniards caught up with us saying, “Francés de California, passeporte?” They found it on the trail.
Our walking together took our friendship to a level I did not believe could exist between two older guys. In Pamplona, we celebrated our last day together. Bernard left for his native Charentes to surprise his brother at his birthday party. I continued alone to Burgos, remembering sights from the previous year and discovering new ones. I flew back to California from Barcelona very happy!
In February 2020, we flew to London to attend Max’s performance in The Winter’s Tale at the Shakespearian Globe theatre. Caroline was there from Paris along with Max’s siblings, Anton and Alexandra. What a treat it was! Cristina and I took a very well-organized bus tour through England. After visiting Scotland, we were back home just ahead of the pandemic caused by the virus COVID-19.
Being confined at home, we rely on communicating by Zoom.
After four years at UC Santa Barbara, Zac earned a BS in mathematics but, with no graduation ceremony, we could not celebrate in person.
Anton is in his last year at the American University in Paris.
Max is waiting for Rutgers University to resume classes.
Alexandra, with two more years in Paris, is looking forward to join an University in England or the U.S.
Logan is looking forward to graduating from Healdsburg High School.
Jack, with three more years in high school is searching a college where he’ll like to play baseball.
Julien is home schooled and will start kindergarten next year.
Elliot enjoys his nursery school every day.
On this, the first day of September 2020, we are thankful that no one in Cristina’s or my family has contracted the virus. This is definitely a period full of uncertainties, but as it is often said, “We will go through this together.”
