30 Dec 2024

My dearest Rodney,

This is the longest I’ve ever gone without writing a note to you…and it’s the longest we’ve ever been apart..and unfortunately every day I could say that it’s been the longest time we’ve been apart. I just didn’t feel moved to write..and somehow a year has passed! Of course I know you are with me spiritually, I feel your presence, I see things that would make us laugh, in my mind’s ear I hear you saying things that make me laugh, or cry, or just think and reflect. Some of the best times these days are when I have dreams with you and can remember them and relive them. Grief is still my companion…thankfully it doesn’t occupy all of the space in my mind these days. I’m continuing to discover my strengths..and trust my instincts and intuition so that I can grow in this new chapter. A lot like the nautilus.

In September 2024 it was 6 years…6 years of milestones, learning, loneliness, sadness, happiness, fear…of experiences that we had planned for enjoy together, transitions both personally and professionally…As I’ve said many times, my life will go on, until it doesn’t. My life will never be the same Rod. Our time together was special…a charmed life. That life is over and I’m continually evolving and creating a new life. I’m doing things I’m sure we would have not done together, yet I think it’s the right thing to do. I hope when you see the pearls within, that I make you proud.

In Jan 2024, I made a big transition in my professional life to work as a loaner executive for a “not for profit” association. I think it’s a program unique to France or at least I don’t know of anything similar in the US. Working for “Allier Sauvage” was very satisfying in that the Association’s mission is to protect river and the human interaction with the river in its natural, wild state..allowing it to wind its way through the plains, accepting that it comes out of its shallow bank and farmers can benefit from fertile farm lands. The Allier flows south to north and runs right through the middle of France eventually emptying into the Loire river before it reaches the Atlantic. It’s one of the migration paths for wild salmon (although that population has significantly declined over the years) as well as many migratory birds.  I could go on and on, so I stop here!  Very happy I was able to do this type of work. I thought of you often Rod, remembering the stories you told about crossing the mighty Ohio River on a row boat or swimming in your youth. The Allier is more like the Licking River, than the Ohio…prone to flooding and being wild!

 

In 2024, I also continued cooking lessons, this time focused on Pasteries (like I need that!) 

I took a much needed, but short trip to our Kentucky home Rod. Where we were born and raised, where we met in the National Guard, where your final resting place and grave marker is. I love France..and I feel at home there. KY will always be home.

I visited the City of Cognac and other parts of western France.

Seeing the sun sparkle in a glass of cognac while visiting the town of Cognac. This pic made me laugh inside as I thought of you. I didn’t want to drink cognac, all I could see was the artistic view of the reflections and shadows that it created as it sat on the little window sill.

 Alsace is one of my favorite regions of france…especially at Christmas time with all the markets. Makes me remember our visits to Christmas markets in Germany years ago.

Paris is always a discovery.  I never get tired of this beautiful city…my list of things to see and do in Paris just seems to get longer, even though I have checked many things off the list!

You would have loved this museum Rod! Dedicated to the history of the many professions… fascinating! When I looked a the wood work, I remembered when we lived in Le Puy, and visited the exposition of the Compagnon tour for wood workers..wow, what craftsmanship.

Paris continued …

Ok, now back to the simple life in the countryside with early morning hikes discovering God’s beauty!

So Rod after living on our pace of internatational moves every 3-5 years,  it’s nice have a plan (God willing and health permitting)  to focus mainly on KY and France! And now I’m starting to “settle down” Rod..still got the sign of the foot, and now with a home base!

In December, for the first time, I ordered a specific wreath to be put on your marker at Camp Nelson, KY. I couldn’t be there in person for the ceremony, so I asked a good friend to capture some photos of the ceremony. As the wreath is in the shape of a circle, and it’s made of evergreen branches..it’s such a nice symbol of our love..evergreen and circular, never ending.

I ask God to continue to bless you in your mission Rod..I don’t know how all of that works, and more importantly, I know it’s part of God’s plan for both of us. I will always love you Rodney. Always. You remain just behind my eyes.

Love,

Sarah