A la recherche du temps perdu
Thursday, February 10, 2011
"Jules & Frida."
À la recherche du temps perdu
: in search of lost time; remembrance of things past*
*One of the English translations to Proust's famous "A la recherche du temps perdu". Have you read it? Pick up a copy, here.
..
A Day in a Mexican Life... by Kristin Espinasse
In Search of Lost Time
On this journey I had the privilege to get to know my step-dad, who, all these years I misunderstood.
After asking John for his forgiveness, I listened meekly for his reply.
John answered, with a twinkle in his eye.
"Kristi, one thing you will discover about Mexico, is that the expats here are either "Wanted"... or Not Wanted."
With that, John confided, "Something I have learned in life is that everything changes. What's important is to be grateful for every moment."
"Reunited."
"Angel Wings". When John presented me with this delicate poncho, I realized I had recovered those lost wings.
ADIEU MR JOHN
This story was written in February 2011. We are sad to say that John passed away on August 7th, 2016. Thank you for taking the time to read the story, HERE
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety
What a great day! Wow!
Posted by: Frank Levin | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:08 PM
John's a wise man. Love Jules' cape in the first picture.
Posted by: Bill in St. Paul | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:09 PM
Beautiful post! Thanks, you made my day.
Posted by: Paula Behnken | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Kristin, isn't forgiveness wonderful? It lightens and cleanses the heart. It can bring us closer to God, not to mention he or she who is forgiven. Good for you!!
Posted by: Susie | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:19 PM
Forgiveness is a powerful and liberating state of being. So many blessing on this trip. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: mary | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:22 PM
It's always good to clear a bad situation and best done as quickly as possible. I'm sure that by resolving your misunderstanding with John you have also increased the happiness of your mom.
Best wishes,
Mike.
Posted by: Mike Hardcastle | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:26 PM
wow indeed........
Posted by: Kay | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Your wonderful journey brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for wearing your heart on your sleeve.
Margie
Posted by: Margie Smith | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:39 PM
You have made my day yet again. These gifts with your mother have had be captivated and in ahhhh! Such a wonderful time to share! Thank you!!!
Posted by: Lynell K | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:43 PM
So Beautiful!
Posted by: Karen from Phoenix, AZ | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Olà Kristin ! Un voyage dans le temps, un voyage merveilleux qui vs a fait retrouver vos ailes et votre beau-papa ! Je suis si heureuse pour vous ! A trip très "fructueux"
en sentiments.... Et le coeur de maman Jules doit vraiment sourire de bonheur !
J'adore votre puncho Kristine !!!! Et vous êtes très jolie le portant !
Clo de Sutton, QC
Posted by: Claudette Kunsay | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 08:41 PM
WHAT A HANDSOME COUPLE JULES AND JOHN.MUM MUST FEEL A SENCE OF RELIEF GOOD ON YOU KRISTIN GAILXX
Posted by: GAIL | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Hi, Kristin. I enjoyed this blog entry, particularly the beautiful pictures of you in Mexico, with a halo and wings!
I played with the Proust title in both English and French in my own blog entry, “Remembrance of things breast (À la recherche des seins perdus)". It's about my wife Margie's successful battle with breast cancer, which, after a mastectomy, has not returned in 25 years. It can be seen at:
http://ljkrakauer.com/LJK/80s90s/breast.htm
You're my blogging idol. I post to my blog only once a week, not three times a week like you.
- Larry
Lawrence J. Krakauer
Blog: http://LJKrakauer.com/LJK/
Posted by: Lawrence J. Krakauer | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Many years ago,I too had a reconciliation with my stepfather who I had "misunderstood" for too long. It was such a gift to my Mother to know that --and will bring much happiness to your lovely Mom too. Good for you !
Posted by: Anne | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 09:11 PM
How wonderful that you are a family again. I love your poncho and the one of Frieda Kahlo on your mother! Fabulous. J
Posted by: Jeanne of Maumee, OH | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 09:16 PM
And now you have new wings - a new beginning. How wonderful!
Posted by: Candy in SW KS | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 09:25 PM
Your reconciliation with your step-father brought tears to my eyes, as I believe you are such a loving and giving person... and that came back to you from him! His adage... of CARPE DIEM. .. is wisdom we all need to embrace... we are here in this time and place but for a fleeting instant...the three of you have bonded with love and respect for one another.... How touching and wonderful... and a lovely poncho to treasure and a keepsake... I love you word day and admired your 'true grit'! Judi Dunn
Posted by: judith dunn | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Ain't life grand (Pardon my poor English, but it just has to be said that way!)
Posted by: Suzanne Laws | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 11:20 PM
Kristin, you have a beautiful story here. So
gently told. Surely there is a book in you.
One that I would definitely read.
Merci!
Posted by: Mary Paulson | Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Quelle good day. Beautiful poncho and lovely remembrance--so happy for all of you.
Posted by: Pat Cargill | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 12:16 AM
Hi Kristin:
A very beautiful touching story. Thank you for sharing this personal occurance with us. It's a great lesson to be learned.
Claudia
from Canada
Posted by: Claudia | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 01:26 AM
Hi Kristin,
It was nice that you were able to reconcile with your step-dad. Nice picture of the three of you. Tell us about the winged sculpture please.
Thanks,
Eileen
Posted by: Eileen deCammp | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 01:33 AM
Mr. Krakauer, thanks for the link to your site. I read about Margie, and am so happy her treatments worked. I love happy endings.
Similarly, I'm so glad the relationship issues were worked out, so that Kristin, Mom, and John are on a new plane, and I wish you many more joyful days together.
Posted by: Marianne Rankin | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 02:01 AM
For those of us so fortunate to catch hold of the life as you live it, and discover new revelations of a life as you live through it. Thank you for revealing your discoveries. I think this is your book, it is complete the manner in which you currently write is lovely.
Posted by: Carole Buschmann | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 02:46 AM
Happy for you and John
Posted by: Carmen Clarke | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 03:53 AM
Hi Kristin,
I spent 12 years in Mexico, and now David has passed to his own heaven. I have known both your Mom and John for that same time, John is right, we are either there out of our own choice, or some one else' choice. I consider both John, and Jules friends. we became the old timers, a rare elite little group. I am happy to see that Photo of the three of you. I hope you saw behind the veil, and saw the real story, and how much you mean to both of them. Also, how much those few of us that hang around, share, and everyone becomes "our Family. With very fond regards. Vance.
Posted by: Vance Anderson-Inks | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 04:20 AM
Such a wonderful post Kristin.
Thanks. xoCandice
Posted by: Candice | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 06:14 AM
Quels beaux sourires sur la photo !
Posted by: la voisine | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 09:54 AM
... and - all is right with the world. I love that you've shared this with us.
Acceptance, understanding and wisdom seem to come with maturity. As a step-mother, I am happy and hopeful to see that preconceived notions have the potential to fade with time.
Posted by: Karen W (Towson, Maryland) | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 02:21 PM
What a memorable trip this will be on so many levels. Your openness is amazing.
Beautiful photos, too.
Posted by: Ophelia in Nashville | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 02:59 PM
As a Step-Father for 40 years I have always lived by the rule..." to get things to change FOR you....you have to make the change in yourself " I advocated this to the children and now to the grandchildren..
Whether they took the advice or not ?... only time will tell.
It looks like some change has come about in your own thinking.
Good for you !!!
Barry (Toronto)
Posted by: Barry doughty | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 03:41 PM
i am blessed to be able to share in your story and walk with you through all of life's changes, struggles, and uplifting moments. you are very special and i love your writing "voice." Your mother is beautiful (as are you!!) and John is handsome. have they found joy in Mexico? do they (and you) ever struggle or have homesickness issues living/being outside the U.S.? i ask because in my travels i have found other countries that feel "good" to me.
Posted by: hedda | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Wonderful story and I enjoyed the pictures so much. You will treasure your time with your mom and step-father. Your beautiful poncho will be a reminder of many things you experienced.
Posted by: Julie Schorr | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 06:49 PM
This is really special Kristin, I am happy for the three of you.
Posted by: Christine Dashper | Friday, February 11, 2011 at 09:22 PM
Wonderful and very nice pictures
Posted by: mona | Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 12:14 PM
yes, a very special post. And Mexico is a special place.
I think FAMILY is the most important thing there is in this imperfect
world.
Dorothy, in Abbotsford, Canada
P.S. Am I your only ATHEIST reader?
Posted by: dorothy | Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 09:40 PM
It matters not the circumstance , all that. truly matters in this life is "Family is everything".
Posted by: Susie | Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 08:28 PM
Kristin, It takes great courage to admit to our errors from the past. This is a true sign of humility. I admire your new paradigm that you and John have accompli.
Posted by: K Lawrence Joyce | Friday, June 27, 2014 at 02:37 PM