Hope “Springs” Eternal in our Hearts
Bonjour mes amis,
I had intended for this blog to bring only hope and smiles and beautiful images to all of you. I still hope that, but it’s very hard at the present moment because of the situation with Bernie’s cousins. Writing here gives me a personal outlet for my angst so please forgive me!! The cousins are experiencing flu-like symptoms and did not get transferred over to the healthy ship. They remain on the Holland America Zaandam where four people have died. Hopefully, today they will make it through the Panama Canal. Ft. Lauderdale, it appears, has denied entry to their port; now they are trying to gain entry to Miami. If you’re a praying person, please lift up their safety throughout the day today. The Sun Sentinel newspaper has a good website with constant updates if you wish to stay abreast of the latest. As the ship approaches our shores, I’m sure media in the USA will pick up on this with more and more intensity.
We are, of course, distraught and helpless. Bernie is communicating with Pierre in French via text and email. Sixteen years ago, Bernie took me for the first time to their home. They welcomed me with open arms, took me in as family and have loved and cherished our friendship. We have laughed and cried and argued and giggled and Laurie has tried to teach me French. Not easy. We have walked together through their neighborhood many miles. They have been here to visit us and were awed by how “large” everything is here from golf courses to houses which they labeled as palaces. They marveled at places like Burritt and the Garden. No telling how many glasses of wine, how much cheese or foie gras has been consumed. All the corny jokes, the strong coffee, the trips to Berlin, to London, to Norway…all the memories which will forever make my heart sing. And many of you have shared ALL of that with us. Yes, please pray.
Two things I must share. One is that this idea to repost Paris pictures came from a dear friend of mine, Pat O’Brien. I have known Pat since first grade. We are kindred spirits as we were both little red-haired, freckle-faced kids. We reconnected several years ago. He and his wife, Sybil are avid blog readers, and I thank him for his great suggestion.
Also a neighbor and good friend of mine, Jemelee Adams, made a poignant observation about the cafe chairs. She phoned almost immediately after the post went up to say that they are a metaphor of our times…all empty. Several of you picked up on that. I didn’t post them with that in mind, but it was a timely post given our situation.
Now, onto some beautiful pictures from Paris of flowers and gardens. I think since it’s spring everywhere in God’s world and since spring comes regardless just like God’s grace, let’s rejoice in the beauty, the predictability, the hope they represent.
Have the very best day you can. Go sit in the sun!
Much love,
L& B
March 30, 2020 @ 2:28 pm
WOW!
The flowers are beautiful and so many varieties. But the bouquets are amazing!!
The pictures are marvelous and uplifting.
But, even more so was your phrasing of spring & nature and our eternal faith in God and his grace.
I do pray that Bernie’s cousins get off the ship and will be ok. Love to both, Jill
March 30, 2020 @ 2:32 pm
Everything about this post made me hopeful and made me cry. Prayers up for sure and my mama put y’all on her prayer list. I love your blog and I pray for all the best for you and Bernie and family!
March 30, 2020 @ 2:42 pm
Thank you for keeping us posted. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this trying time and I join you in continued hope. Your photos today aptly portray nature’s beauty. Stay healthy…
March 30, 2020 @ 2:49 pm
Thank you for the beautiful flowers. We will be praying for Bernie’s cousins to recover and get off the ship. Prayers for the others on the ship. Stay safe, Linda and Bernie.
March 30, 2020 @ 3:44 pm
Your pictures of the beautiful flowers are definitely appreciated during this time.
Prayers for peace, healing and a safe return to Miami for Bernie’s cousins.
March 30, 2020 @ 3:59 pm
The flowers are beautiful and Certainly highlight our Creator’s love of colors, beauty and variety. May we see people through His eyes.
And yes prayers and pleading for your loved ones and others trapped in misery.
March 30, 2020 @ 4:58 pm
Wondered if I was the only one who wept, but read Elizabeth did also. Such joy and beauty-so many I’ve never seen. Really enjoyed The Thinker amidst the blooms since I wanted especially to go their this fall. Thank you so much for sharing Paris with us all. Continued prayers for the cousins.
March 30, 2020 @ 5:47 pm
Such lovely flowers in so many places. I am praying that you can revisit or share all of this with Pierre or Laurie once again. Praying some one will allow the ship to dock and medical help will be brought on board.
March 30, 2020 @ 7:03 pm
I love all the flowers and was pleased that I recognized the location of so many of them. I continue to hold Pierre and Laurie in my heart. May they be strong and healthy.
March 30, 2020 @ 10:06 pm
Thank you for the kind words. But, believe me, this Spring blog has been entirely our pleasure. We both wondered why these flower pictures seem so spectacular this post. Maybe they are timely, coming off a very wet and kind of gloomy Winter and we’re ready for some Spring color, or you selected just the best of the bunch. Either way, they are a welcome sight. We’re all wishing Bernie’s cousins well and hope they hop off the ship at Miami in fine shape and spirits and ready to head up your way. Of course, after 14 days quarantine.
March 30, 2020 @ 11:01 pm
We are praying!
April 1, 2020 @ 12:11 am
Linda, Let me repeat what Pat has already said and add that you are very special to both of us. We are keeping Pierre and Laurie in our prayers.