I was on the phone late last night into the early morning with my ex, Jean-Pierre. When you have a conversation with someone at those hours you know the news is not good. He had lost his mother; she would have been 83 years-old next month. I had lost more than a friend. Through the years, she became like my substitute French mother sharing important birthdays, holidays and much more.
The first time I met Huguette, she had invited Jean-Pierre and I to have a sumptuous dinner at her apartment on the Rue de Marignan. She was beautifully dressed, hair perfectly coiffed, and with just the right amount of make-up on a flawless complexion. The perfume she was wearing lingered the way perfume is suppose to. The large French windows in the salon opened up to a quiet courtyard with trees. Who would have imagined we were just a few feet off of the Champs-Elysées; it was so peaceful. She was wearing a Dior dress and standing next to her baby grand-piano while her little poodle looked up at her waiting to be carried. It completed the tableau of Parisian chic.
But, the image ended there; this woman was down to earth and welcomed me into her life with open arms. We shared a friendship that grew for almost 25 years and lasted even long after her son and I were no longer together. We would meet at the Jardin des Tuileries for lunch, or walk around the Jardin du Luxembourg when the weather was nice, and when it was cold, we would meet at our favorite café.
The last conversation I had with her was on the phone last month and we spoke for two and a half hours. We made plans and she was happy to know that my mom planned on returning to Paris. I was happy that she was able to meet both my mother and Katarina.
Maya Muses: She laid down for a nap and passed away in her sleep. It was a perfect way for her to leave us.
Photo Credits: Personal Photos
5 responses so far ↓
1 Michelle // Mar 29, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I am sorry to hear this.
How lovely that you recently had a nice long chat though.
2 Lynn // Mar 29, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Thank you Michelle. I am grateful for that conversation I had with her. So much was said.
3 Billy // Mar 30, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Sorry for your loss, Lynn. Hearing that someone you loved passed quietly in their sleep is a consolation. You could not wish her a better end. The hard thing is for her family, but Huguette was lucky, in a way.
4 Deena // Mar 30, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I agree, it must be a comfort for you and all her loved ones that she went in such a peaceful way. My condolences.
5 Lynn // Mar 31, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Thank you Billy and Deena, it true that her dying in such a peaceful way is very comforting.
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