LESSON IN PATIENCE - A THANKSGIVING LETTER WITH GRATITUDE - 2024

A Hot Day in Provence

Nov 28, 2024

One day, while standing in line at the pharmacy, I felt my impatience grow. The line was short, but the time I had waited long. I stood on one foot and then the other, breathing deeply with my hand on my hip. Suddenly, I recalled a lesson I had learned while traveling in Provençe.

It was a hot July afternoon in 2022 in the village of St. Remy in Provence when my husband and I realized we needed a few items from the local pharmacy. We both zipped in, as if in a race, obviously running on our American timeclock. Once our few items were selected, we turned to face a . . . Yes, a lengthy line to check out with, yes, the only pharmacist who was holding court at the counter.

I began to fidget, as it seemed like it would take an eternity. I confess I have difficulty standing in one place, and this line gave the appearance of no forward movement. Again, I stood shifting from one foot, then the other.

I peeked around to the head of the line, and it was then I realized there was something special happening at the counter. Could one consider this ‘a theatre of life’? It was a simple conversation between the pharmacist and a young woman, whose four-year-old daughter clung to her skirt. The pharmacist leaned forward as the young mother spoke. He then came from behind the counter and stooped down to greet the child. Their heads bent close, the discussion continued, with ohs, and ahs, chin rubs, and a bit of hair fluffing followed by laughter from all three. Smiles flowed down the line to us.

But then the pharmacist continued to chat with the young mother about her daughter, and then asked her about her mother. And, perhaps, her mother-in-law. Time, care, thought and . . . yes, love . . . were extended to these customers, young and old. I was certain that everyone who had known this pharmacist as a family friend was willing to patiently embrace this ritual as the gift in which it was given. As it turns out, time stood still for me too, as it became clear that these interactions were what made life in a village so precious.

Back at home, I recalled this memory as I saw my own pharmacist in a different light. I knew she was overworked, but she, too, gave the patience and consideration I had witnessed that day in Provençe. Gratefully, I embraced the importance of patience as an attribute I need every day, and I struck up a conversation with a fellow ‘lineman’.

I am sharing this essay once again, as I wish you each a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Quiet street in St. Remy - Summertime

Iconic fields of lavender - Provence

Yes, this is the month the fourth book in my Savoring the Olde Ways series to hit the bookstores, and there have been a flurry of events: Adventures on Land & Sea: Searching for Culinary Pleasures in Provence and along the Cote d’Azur. Because this book has three separate tours or trips including one with my husband and four other friends and I sailing along the Cote d’Azur, you could actually hear my husband reading his ‘memoir’ as I ‘translated it for ‘non-nauticals’ as a He said; She said! It was such fun! Yes, there is something for everyone!

Kepler’s Bookstore - Menlo Park - Fantastic Feasts and Where to Find Them

OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH - BOOKS, INC. PALO ALTO

A CAST OF SUPPORTERS WERE THERE TO HELP - MAUREEN SANDERS - MC AND ROBIN MAYNE, MY SPARKLING WINE AND HORS D’OEUVRES HANDLER - THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!