Let's Talk About the Coronavirus: COVID-19 in France and Chez Vous
Friday, March 13, 2020
"THE END" - That's my 73-year-old Mom wearing a hand-me-down T-shirt. The ripped neck is her signature. I snapped the picture of Jules this morning, moments after she'd rescued our 5th hen (trapped in our absent neighbor's yard.). While I was pacing up and down the street, a piece of fish (bait) in my hand, and in distress, Mom had already jumped the barbed wire fence, trespassed into unknown territory and, faster than a SWAT team, released the hen from captivity.
MÊME PAS PEUR
With that, Jules announced she was off to the café. "Be careful out there," I cautioned her. That's when Mom flashed me THAT LOOK. I noticed the T-Shirt she was wearing, it (ironically) said THE END. The all-caps message across her caved chest may have been a coincidence. But if you knew Jules, you'd know she is a rebel in addition to being a survivor. She is fearless--the bravest woman I have ever met.
Mom reminds me of a saying (borrowed from the schoolyard): même pas peur! (Not even afraid!) The French use the you don't scare me phrase in all kinds of situations, both funny and not-so-funny. Whether raising a finger to terrorism or to a pandemic, the même pas peur! battle cry puts the courage back into our hearts.
METTRE TOUTES LES CHANCES DE SON CÔTE
Each of us here has his/her own thoughts and feelings about the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. One thing we might all agree upon is putting all chance on our side (washing hands, staying at arm's length) so that we may put all chance on the side of those who truly need it, including the elderly.
Just don't call my Mom elderly! But you could call her a Ninja Warrior. Good to have her here at a time like this, when a lost chicken represents a sky that is falling.
Thanks, Mom, for rescuing "Crackers," our 5th hen! This story is dedicated to you.
XOXO,
Kristi
One of the things I learned from Mom is to keep the Christmas Tree up all year. And to keep calm at times like this (does Jules look calm?). Remember the mantra: Même pas peur!
The comments box is open for anyone who would like to express their thoughts or share their wisdom concerning the corona virus. My thoughts go out to a dear, elderly friend who just lost her sister (her only sibling and best friend) and who cannot get on the airplane and attend the funeral because of current restrictions. She wanted to be there to support her nephew who is all alone.
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I love Jules! She's what we affectionately call 'A real Pip!" And, loving her as I do, I want to remind her that bravery and caution go hand in hand - neither too timid, nor filled with a careless bravado. Here in the Sates we have been cautioned to 'stay at a social distance' for a few weeks - not just for our own health, but to slow down the spread of this still mysterious virus. If we can slow it down, our medical systems will be able to better handle those of us who do suffer dangerous complications. Physical isolation is a tiny blip, particularly when I can reach out in real time to video chat with friends all over the world.
Stay safe, stay strong, and stay in touch, you guys. We love you!
Posted by: Linda D. | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 02:49 PM
I love your mom! And I love that you appreciate her now, while she's still with you, instead of being embarrassed or whatever. Blessings and stay away from the big C.
Posted by: Sandi | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 02:53 PM
You have to love her spirit- sometimes it is difficult to be brave in the face of adversity. I hope you and your family keep safe. Here in the SF Bay area everyone is more than aware of the dangers around us as more and more events are canceled, and the governor advises not to attend events larger than 250 people. Not to be light hearted, but when they close Disneyland, an American institution, you realize the gravity of the situation. I will be you mom's age in a couple of months, and I hope I can live up to meme pas peur.
Posted by: Dave Kapsiak | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 02:58 PM
Stay away from crowds OF ANY KIND. FOR HEAVEN SAKE, doesn’t anyone watch the international news programs that tell you how Italy wound up in such a mess? Stay home, people, and keep la France from turning into Italy. This is serious business, 30 to 40 times worse than flu. Listen to the WHO. Read the statistics daily and yes, disinfect and wash fresh veggies and stay TWO METERS. away. A sneeze travels 10 feet not 3 feet, president Macron. But what the heck, what do I know?
I just want us all rescued, like the sweet little hen...
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 02:58 PM
I admire her spirit and joie de vivre! The tee shirt, the pipe, the wine. What a statement! When my husband retires and we move to France in 5 years, I want to be her, well, minus the pipe! LOL
Posted by: An | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 02:59 PM
Make that “heaven’s” sake...typo.
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:00 PM
Jules is a Goddess and a Heroine!
Love the pipe! Thank you for the inspiration Jules.
Posted by: Heather | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:18 PM
What a lady! Nice to have her with you, I'm sure. Maybe she can come visit and help catch marauding rabbits that are eating my garden. Well, everything else, but as soon as the garden is planted, it's next. Stay safe and keep those hands washed!
Posted by: Angie Quantrell | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:23 PM
Those of us over 70 are in unknown territory here, with Covid-19. Ordinary flu is so much more common, and so many, many more die of flu each year than have (so far) with this new virus...but the percentage of mortality is evidently much higher with Coronavirus. Yes, 30 to 40 times higher, if we can believe statistics. But the world will change and diminish horribly if no one goes anywhere anymore! Small businesses (like the gallery where I'm volunteering right now), restaurants, cafes...empty. I'm with you and Jules -- wash hands, keep your distance, and repeat like a line from a song, "Meme pas peur!"
Posted by: Judith | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:33 PM
Good for Jules. Though my favourite theatre is closed as is all big events. I too go to my favourite café every morning and meet with all my friends. Of course no more bise or hand shacks, however I refuse to hide in my house like a hermit.
Posted by: Jerry Wood | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:34 PM
...... I can identify with Jules as a survivor! Tho I am 79, with a 42% heart and compromised immune system... I am not letting that stop us from going out to dinner tonight with friends. Other than that , we are keeping our ' social distance'. No toilet tissue to be had here! We will survive with Kleenex if need be! Also have a ton of baby wipes..... I only pray that this scourge will be over sooner rather than later! Jules is a gem of a Mom and gal... you are so lucky to have her near you! Take care and enjoy the weekend.... Judi
Posted by: Judith Dunn | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:40 PM
Another senior moment that, of course, should be handshake
Posted by: Jerry Wood | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:41 PM
From across the ocean, down in da bayou, Jules, je t’embrasse très fort ❤️🐔👏🏻
Posted by: Cindy | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:44 PM
I'm Jule's age and still running my shop ..... though traffic has slowed down and I guess I'll be staying at home soon.
Your Mum is fabulous, what a femme indomitable!!
Même pas peur! Love it!
Thank you, Kristi.... Stay safe, all of you.
love, Maureen
Posted by: Maureen | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 03:48 PM
Deux mots: KICK ASS!! Thanks, again to all of our elderly mothers who don't give a shit about what other people may think!
Love you, Jules, you're just like my 94 year old mother who my son lovingly named 'Van Damn, Grandma'!
She once tried to stop a young man from escaping my sisters house where he had illegally entered. Of course she happened to have a nice size rock in her hand! The young guy got away, but not without a severe pounding on his knee from my mom as he was climbing out of the window!!:) (police found him easily, as I'm sure he didn't get too far with only one good leg!)
Posted by: Audrey | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:04 PM
I’m with Jules—With caution just carry on. Here in New Mexico ,as everywhere else,everything is closed down. But
our favorite restaurant has emailed that they will deliver, our grocery stores have done the same. There is toilet
paper available and the sun is shining in 65 degree weather. With Netflix and no real demands for a 79 year old
I feel pretty lucky. Older people know that this too will pass. Stay healthy and optimistic.
Posted by: Shari Reed | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:08 PM
Hi Kristi and Jules!
Great to see photos of your Mom. I think at times like this we really do stop, slow down and remember what is important in our lives.
Just love each other and pray for those who are suffering in this world and thank God for everything we have!
Stay well!
Eileen
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:08 PM
Your mom is such a tough cookie! I'm 73 and I've never jumped over a fence. COVID-19 is more of a threat, because it's new and we don't have a cure yet. Do we get daily tallies and locations of those who died due to flu virus? No, that's old news. I pray for a cure and that this bug runs its course, so our lives can return to normal. Be safe, be proactive, be aware & Trust.
Posted by: Diane Heinecke | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:11 PM
Jules and I are the same age, and I love and admire her greatly. Like her, I am not afraid of the virus and shocked to an extent by the hysteria that seems to have overtaken so many. Too bad the media fails to give messages of reassurance, gloom and doom apparently getting more clicks and lifting their ratings. Oh, well, this too shall pass. Meanwhile I've been accused of not taking this seriously, an assumption from those in a panic because I do not share their reaction. I do take it seriously; I have always washed my hands a lot, but I am now doing it more often. I don't touch my face. I am no longer shaking hands, having happily flashed the Vulcan "live long and prosper" sign to my friends instead. But, most of all, I am a pragmatist and a Christian -- if God chooses to take me home (and that's His call, not mine or the World Health Organization), I will be face to face with my Savior where there is no more pain, sorrow, tears, or fears. Praise the LORD!
Posted by: Jeanne in Oregon | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:13 PM
The sky may not be falling but it's good to have your own supply of eggs these days. We are postponing our April trip to Paris until next spring not out of fear but because travel bans may change again and we don't want to lose everything we have paid for an apartment. I agree that Jules is a Ninja Warrior going back to the days when she lived in a caravan in the Arizona desert.
Posted by: suzanne | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:21 PM
Jules is such a hoot. It's clear where you get your wonderful sense of humor from! Stay healthy - all of you!!
Posted by: kateDickerson | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:32 PM
Our dear Kristi,
Jules is gorgeous from inside out,and,oh!how very much her equally gorgeous daughter is!
These are times when asking God for help in hearing and answering our prayers could never be more needed,or more important.And remembering that faith is not seen.
You,your wonderful family, and all people everywhere are always in our ours.
Courage and strength.We WILL make it through this.
Love
Natalia
Posted by: Natalia | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:43 PM
Spectacular! Rock on Jules!
Posted by: Suzanne Arbet | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:44 PM
Your spunky mom, Jules, is a woman I would love to meet and begin a lifelong friendship with. I love your ‘Même pas peur’ attitude and Jules’ défiant pipe, no matter what she’s smoking . . . Stay well and keep the good words unspooling. They are of great comfort and joyful mirth.
Posted by: Randy | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 04:44 PM
I pray any 73 year old woman with a pipe in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other might still be interested in older men. I have it on good advice to take a good deep breath every day, hold it for ten seconds or more. When you release it if you have no cough, no stiffness, no pain you be good to go. Also it is said to drink plenty of water especially if your mouth feels dry. I think wine would also suffice. Bonne chance, gardez bien le sante et bientôt.
Posted by: Robert | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 05:24 PM
Bonjour, Kristi,
I echo the sentiments of the other readers. In particular, I suffer from the doors that are closing on concerts, lectures, and travel as I am retired and those have been my pursuits. I am praying that in a year there will be a vaccine and I will once again enjoy those activities. I have it on good authority that a team of US medical researchers have identified the covid19 protein and that finding may lead to finding a vaccine. I also understand that these same researchers are investigating the possibility of resurrecting some of the drugs used in the SARS crisis for treatment of those afflicted with the corona virus. For the present, I take consolation in walks in nature, Psalm 22,”...our loving Creator does not turn away from the afflicted...their prayers rise up to heaven.”. I offer a special thank you for the space that the French Word-a-Day blog makes for me to experience a friendly global community in the midst of mr present feelings of increasing isolation. Comme habitude, merci beaucoup, Kristin.
Posted by: Joanne | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 05:51 PM
Today's post is a little ray of sunshine in such anxious times here in NYC and beyond. Thanks to you and Jules for the smiles :) Take good care everyone!
Posted by: Dawn | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 06:03 PM
My ditto to Dawn's comment. A beautiful ray of sunshine 🌞 for our day. As I scroll down the multiple e-mails about the virus I look for treasures like yours to strengthen my immune system. So with washed hands and a smile I can head back out on my scooter and meet friends and beloved strangers and be encouraged together on this wild journey. Hugs to you, dear Kristi. We can still do digital hugging 😘
Posted by: Gail V | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 06:43 PM
I want a poster of your mom on the bike in that pose! It is priceless!! (I might just print it out for my desk).
Posted by: Heidi H Watson | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 06:45 PM
💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Putting hearts here, so theyll reach all the way up through the comments section.
And below, so theyll continue to pour out. I love and appreciate the community here. Thank you Joanne and all who come here, even silently.
💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Posted by: Kristin Espinasse | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 06:52 PM
Jules is a crackup, I enjoy her escapades! Things are starting to close around us but it is all for good. Keep up the happy thoughts and uplifting writing! I'm so sorry for the loss of your elderly friend. Cheers to all!
Posted by: Michele | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 07:28 PM
Kristi, merci beaucoup pour "meme pas peur". J'ai besoin des mots comme ca. Restez calme et continuez!
Posted by: Pam Horovitz | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 08:18 PM
Regarding Jules—my, how fab she looks!! This 76 year old And my slightly older girlfriend have total admiration for Lady Jules and we should know who deserves such! I stand with her on being called elderly —not an age-related adjective!!
Posted by: Cathia | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 10:29 PM
You sound like a jewel Robert.
Posted by: Cathleen Hoffman | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 11:34 PM
Lovely, and I love the Xmas tree up all year!
Have never have had the guts. I used to be the only one having Xmas lights all year when I lived in Germany, but I was young and daring then. Your Mom is forever young!
Yes, take all good care,
Laurence
Posted by: Laurence in California | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 11:51 PM
PS: My husband always says that in my first years in the US whenever I would see a "No Trespassing" sign on a walk, I would say "Let's go that way". He saw in it my French rebellious nature. Your Mom was born French before she even lived there :)
Posted by: Laurence Swift | Friday, March 13, 2020 at 11:56 PM
Kristi, your mother has a "fan club" of admiring members from all over the world. We love it when you post photos of Jules and write about her wonderful " joie de vivre"! Many thanks and my best wishes for each member of your enchanting family.
Posted by: Cynthia Lewis | Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 01:17 AM
I remember well the day in 2008 and John, one of our pickers was done, toast finished and collapsed for the afternoon in the chair under the tree. It was then he had time to meet "Jules" Oh, My God! An epiphany in progress as he had a chance to sit and chat with Jules from the wild west. Mid-America meets the frontier and he was whooshed! A true "spirit" in the sense of the word is Jules....great story. I also, do miss her so....!
Charles, Chuck (Charlie)
Posted by: Charles M. McGrath | Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 01:31 AM
Hi Kristen, Great picture of Jules today. Love your stories about her. But, please explain the Christmas Tree up all year! I canceled my spring trip to Paris about 10 days ago..had planned to spend my 89th Birthday there. May have to wait for my 90th, n'est pas? In the meantime my daughter wants me to "self-isolate," which is going to be very hard to do, but on the other hand, all the museums, sports venues, and other public places are closing--even the local library is shutting its doors. At least we have TV and the Internet to connect with the world.
Posted by: Carol in Los Angeles | Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 08:14 AM
I love your mother- bravo Jules!! Septagenarian (not sure of spelling) is a big word for survivor. We are survivors!! Everything else I could say has been said. Take care of your selves - you are all precious to me.
Posted by: Nancy | Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 02:44 PM
https://twitter.com/https://twitter.com/benphillips76/status/1237691678720512002
I am trying to add a video of what they are doing in Siena, above.
It warms my heart.
Posted by: Leslie NYc | Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 07:56 PM
Lots of great, encouraging comments today!
Posted by: Joan | Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 09:37 PM
Agreeing with you, Suzanne. Just heard that as of today, Saturday, the number of cases in France doubled in the last 72 hours. Stay safe, Kristi and family. I love the "même pas peur" phrase, thank you! Mais, aussi, please, pas de café's à ce moment, Jules, oui?
Posted by: Ruth Massaro | Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11:25 PM
I love the story about your mother, but I'm heartbroken for your friend and her nephew. I hope he found someone to comfort him at the funeral.
Posted by: cindy domasky | Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 12:04 AM
Love to you all! Thank you for sharing and always so very good to see Jules! 😃 She IS so brave and has seen and experienced so many things during her lifetime yet she still reminds us to not be afraid! Such an encouraging reminder! ❤️😘
Posted by: Gail in AZ | Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 03:45 AM