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Allô Ma Chérie!

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“We feel cold, but we don’t mind it, because we will not come to harm. And if we wrapped up against the cold, we wouldn’t feel other things, like the bright tingle of the stars, or the music of the aurora, or best of all the silky feeling of moonlight on our skin. It’s worth being cold for that.”
― Philip Pullman, The Golden Compass

Winter Solstice.  The shortest day of the year, which sometimes, can feel like the longest.

I’m driving home from a much-needed oil change for my car.  I know what day it is and yet I don’t want to focus on the sad but on the date, the season.  Claude Debussy’s beautifully romantic, and to me, sad, Clair de Lune starts to play on the radio.

I feel nostalgic and though my heart pinches a little, I smile as I drive.  I can’t help but think of Mick and Mémère (my grandmother) dying on the same day, five years apart.  Winter Solstice. I don’t know why there is something right about it.

We had gone up north to visit my mother and, of course, did a side trip two villages over to visit my grandmother – we always made sure we did.  She must have been about 85-87-89?, give or take, when she told us of a dream she had had.

I dreamt that you were my boyfriend, Mick.  Môman was not happy about it at all.  She said to me ‘What are you doing with an English boy?  You don’t even speak it properly!’  I answered to my mother:  ‘But I love him!’

Well, needless to say, she was giggling as she told us the story.  And Mick being Mick was not one to let such a thing go.  Every single time we went up north, he’d sidle up to Mémère, wrap his arm around her shoulder, give her a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek and say “Allô, Bébé! Comment ça va ma chérie?”*

She’d blush furiously, playfully slap him on the arm while hugging him back then give a big smile followed by an “Oh you!”  Their love was real.

I wonder if he is still teasing her now?

Christmas 2006
New Year’s Eve 2008

*How are things, my darling?

 

 

88 thoughts on “Allô Ma Chérie!”

  3. Oh, gosh–this. All the feelings! Yes, I agree heartbreaking and heartwarming. I never met Mick, but I can imagine him teasing your Môman. ❤️

    And Clair de Lune is sad and beautiful to me, as well. And strangely, Ricky the Cat always responds to it, too.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. So beautiful, you certainly tugged at the heartstrings. Wishing you a lovely Christmas and wishes for joyful New Year (so we can put this one behind us). You’ve chosen such a beautiful photo and one of my favorite songs by Debussy! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Aaaah, ça fait chaud au coeur! It is a wondrous thing to have shared birthdays. My youngest sis was born on our mum’s birthday. A marvellous girlfriend shared her birthday with her mum too – and I know not one but two couples who have the same age and are born on the same day! All of these ‘combines’ were special and cherished. What a heartwarming tale – and of course, Debussy’s Clair de Lune played so beautifully, is heartbreakingly ringing true. I’m not a Debussy fan at all but this piece of music does it for me too.
    May I wish you and yours a beautiful Christmas; you all had more on your plate in this year, than anybody needed. So you deserve an especially peace- and beautiful Noël. You do have the snow for it?! Hugs and bisous, K

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    • Ahhh… you misunderstood. It is not a birthday they share but a death day. Mick did share a birthday with my mother’s hubby – and they were best buddies. And my baby sister shared her birthday with my father.
      This particular piece does pull at the heartstrings. I wish for you and your HH a fantabulously wonderful Christmas.
      Our snow that came this morning has almost completely melted. Mauzusse…
      Thank you for the wishes…
      Hugs and bisous to you, lovely lady! xoxo

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      • Sorry Dale, I’m nearly braindead with all the stuff happening. I DID read it alright but transferred the birthdays in my surroundings in my head to the death days in yours. In both cases, this happening is extra-ordinary! Don’t you think? And you also have shared birthdays… what a gift!

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  17. Dear Dale,

    You have a knack for telling a story that brings a tear to the eye and laughter to the soul at the same time. Bittersweet story and the music is perfect. Pass the tissues.

    Shalom and lotsa hugs,

    Rochelle

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  19. Amazing how profound thoughts and memories strike us while driving in the car – even after an innocent trip for an oil change. On the other hand, the impact of two same-day events can do that. Thanks for sharing a beautiful story of love and smiles – as well as being set to wonderful music. Perfect timing for me as the music just ended. Thanks for sharing this.

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  20. Ahhhh, Claire de Lune. Makes me cry every time. Like your beautifully told story. Tender. Poignant. Nostalgic and touching.

    My heart says a tearful thank you.

    My spirit says, Merry Christmas dear Dale. May this season of lights bring light into the darkness and fill your heart with all the Love in the world. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • They call it a romantic piece but for me, it is more tender and sad… Yes poignant, too and I am so very happy you thought my little story was as well.

      Thank you for reading and responding so beautifully.

      Merry Christmas to you and Bernie. I always look to the light 🙂 xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Their energy is entwined and fierce and fiery with love for YOU, I have no doubt.
    Philip Pullman and and The Golden Compass – love that quote and love that book.
    Cliare de Lune was the first piece of classical music that I fell for, and it still gives me wonderful chills. You pushed all of my emotional buttons here, Dale, and I send you a BIG HUGE HUG. ❤

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    • Oooohhh… I love that quote and it’s on my ever-expanding to read list.
      Isn’t it just a beautiful piece? I can’t say I’m displeased to have hit all your feels 🙂
      HUGE BIG HUG Accepted and squeezed back! xoxo

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  23. Dale

    The beauty of those two, and what a pair they turned out to be. That was Mick though, you couldn’t help but love him once you knew him. I say this not even having known him except through you, but still . . I know. Is that strange? I don’t think so in the least, but then again, I’m known for being strange so I wouldn’t know.

    Here’s to the angels. Those lovely souls who we dream on, both in dreams and in our every day.

    Love,

    Marco

    Liked by 1 person

    • I am so happy that you feel that way. And you best get in line. Even from the other side, people fall for him 🙂
      I am. And I love it.
      Thank you, sweet friend

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