Six days, twenty-two hours and fifteen minutes until I leave the US to start my return trip to France. But who’s counting?
Countdown to France
When I moved to France three years ago, it felt like I was going so far away from family and friends that we’d lose touch. Instead, I’ve returned to the States for 5-6 months each year. The first return visit was for Christmas and to await the birth of my first grandchild. The second, the countdown to France, started after Christmas with a surprise tooth implant. This year, I’ve been here 5 months to “granny nanny” the two-year-old grandson and to welcome my second grandchild — a baby girl.
Now that my son and daughter-in-law have assured me their family is complete, I plan to spend only a few weeks in the States yearly. Only time will tell how that works out.
Two different worlds
There’s no question that my life in France is vastly different than my life in the US. It’s “culture shock” when I move from one place to another. How can you compare living alone in a twelfth-century tower to living with a family with small children?
Friends are friends
One of the first friendships I made in Uzรจs was with a couple from the UK who live part-time in France. When I confided to them that I hadn’t made many friends in Uzรจs during my first year, they told me it would take three years before I would begin to make close friends. So true. Last year, my third season in Uzรจs, I met expats and locals I’m sure will be my friends for the rest of my life.
In the US, friends keep me busy and entertained while I’m stateside. This year, for example, I’ve traveled with friends to London and the Cotswolds and from Las Vegas, Colorado, and Nevada to ย Florida. I’ve stayed with friends up and down the Carolina coast. Some have been friends of mine since we were children.
I drove a snowmobile and looked out over the US Continental Divide …
… And I spent my birthday on a dog sledย pulled by a team of huskies.ย 
Countdown to France
How does it feel to leave for France again?ย
To be honest, it’s going to be hard to leave my two-year-old grandson. I’ve spent almost half of his life with him while on home visits. He’s grown from an infant to a little boy who can say “Grandma.” My new granddaughter will be a toddler when I see her next.
You’d be wrong if you think I haven’t given this much thought.ย
On the other side, I’m living my dream in France.
Someone told me about a TV show with Dr. Phil that aired recently. For those unfamiliar with Dr. Phil, he hosts a talk show in the US where he counsels guests with various family issues. On this day, a 70-year-old couple was on stage with him, along with their 40-year-old son. The son had returned home to live, and it was causing problems. Dr. Phil drew a line on the studio floor with a zero at one end and “84” at the other. “This represents the life expectancy of an average person today,” he said. “Eighty-four years,” he continued. “I want you to stand in the line at the spot representing your age,” he said to the parents. “Now, I want you to look ahead at how many years you have left.”
He repeated the exercise with the 40-year-old son.
It was clear to all the viewers and the guests. The parents had only fourteen years ahead of them. The son had a lifetime.
Dr. Phil’s exercise hit home with me, too. And with my 40-year-old son, I’ve been staying in the US. We both realize I’m approaching the end of my “timeline.” How do I want to spend the time that’s left? It’s all up to me. Today, I want to get back to my life in France. I want to return to the US less often, yet I want to stay close to my family. All things are possible withย airline travel, technology, and God’s will.
Stay tuned…
