Their first order of business after entering the village was to look for a familiar landmark--the home that their friends the Rutledge's and the Harmon's lived in.
No sooner had they glanced at the old photos they had brought with them as a guide, then they looked up and saw the house her friends had lived in.
From that building, Grandma was able to guide them directly to the home that they rented from Alex LaGarde and his wife, Madeline. Much of the area, including the home, had not changed.
Grandma posed in front of the home they rented in the exact spot she posed 55 years ago! The only change was new shutters at the door.
Alex and Madeline LaGarde (landlords) with another couple, standing in front of grandma and grandpa's rental home.
Imagine her surprise when she noticed the mailbox still read "A LaGarde!" And an even greater surprise to learn that Madeline LaGarde, at age 100, was still alive! She spoke very little English, but with an interpreter, and looking at the photos Scott had, she clearly remembered "The American's!"
Madeline LaGarde invited them into her home. Grandma had always admired her landlord's paintings, and always wished she had been able to buy one from him.
Through the vineyards of southern France, they enjoyed the pretty scenery as they made their way back . . .
to the sidewalk bistros of Paris and finally home... and experienced a wonderful time together that they will not soon forget!
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing....it is amazing that the landlord is still alive....100 years old. Crazy talk. Anyway, thanks again Scott for taking Mom and posting it.
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