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Pont de l'Arche -
Our greatest responsibility is to be good ancestors.
Jonas Salk; virologist, medical researcher (developed the polio vaccine).
Along our travels through Normandy, there had to be a stopover which was to finally fulfill a solemn obligation. It was a pledge I had made nearly a decade earlier.
My promise was partly fulfilled when our daughter graduated from Florida State University. This previous trip with my wife and daughter was important in several ways. We needed to reconnect with our cherished family and friends in the Bad Kreuznach area, but there was another opportunity which had emerged. We had a “rendez-vous” with the mayor of a very small town in Normandy about 15 miles (20 km) south of Rouen.
This meeting, a few years ago, was scheduled at the Town Hall of Pont de l’Arche in the Seine-Eure department, a town of less than five thousand inhabitants. The mayor, a historian and a regional museum curator would be present.
During this very welcoming experience, I donated my maternal grandfather’s World War I service medals to the local museum. The military items belonging to Max Delamare included his awards for service in Verdun, his pilot wings, aviation goggles, his pilot leather cap and a framed black and white photo of him sitting in uniform.
For the community and the region, these over a century-old artifacts were to be part of an exciting initiative to build bridges between generations. The goal was to showcase the lives, experiences and achievements of local sons and daughters. They had lived in a past during events which remain a fabric of current times.
Yet, even when we left Pont de l’Arche and the memorable meeting at the Town Hall, my promise to someone near and dear was only partially addressed. My son was also included in this moral obligation.
This solemn promise was made during what would to be my family’s final trip to visit my mother, our children’s “Mémé,” nearly a decade ago. She always cherished our previous visits to her residence at a senior living facility located in the heart of Reims.
In these earlier times, my “Maman” had been our guest for fond memories in Germany as well. Highlights included meeting her new extended family in Bad Kreuznach when Ruth and I were wed in downtown BK, the reception which followed at the Kauzenburg Castle and a Rhine River cruise.
This final visit to Reims several years ago would be different. I had to return to Afghanistan to finish my tour of duty and Ruth and the kids would soon return to the States.
My “Maman” stood in her tiny apartment looking at my daughter and son putting together a puzzle under the watchful and helpful eyes of their mother.
My mother was already in her mid-eighties during this visit. The passage of her decades had taken their toll on her health and abilities. Yet, her eyes and smile were beaming at the sight of her grandchildren. Slowly she turned to me, took my hand and looked deeply into mine.
If love is as sweet as a flower,
then my mother is that sweet flower of love.
Stevie Wonder; singer, songwriter
It was the same regard which had shepherded me over four decades earlier. That was when I decided to cross the threshold of our very modest home in the southern part of Reims to cross the Atlantic to America where I would begin my venture serving its Flag and Uniform. Her gaze was then as it was now - the same look of love and prayer-filled support.
“Promise me my grandchildren will get to know our land; the land of their ancestors in Normandy,” she asked in our native French language; in her soft and gentle way. Holding my hand, her eyes beckoned her second son. Naturally, I gave her my solemn promise - "Je te jure, Maman" I said to her - "I swear to you that I will."
Only mothers can think of the future
because they give birth to it in their children.
Maxim Gorky; short-story writer and novelist
Years later and most recently, I found myself standing in a small but familiar cemetery located at the outskirts of Pont de l’Arche. Last time I was here was with our daughter. This time, it was with our son, Max, who had graduated from John Hopkins University with an intended career in Space Economics.
Within the acre or so walled enclosure of this cemetery, my mother and grandparents are laid to rest. Its ground cover is river rock from the nearby Eure River. My mother is lain to rest with her beloved father; Max Delamare.
Standing above the stone slab, I bowed my head and recalled every detail as I thought back to that day of our last visit and my promise now fulfilled. Her grandchildren, now a bit older, became acquainted and actually adoring of her land, our region and their heritage.
I headed toward the cemetery’s large iron gates with an uplifted sense of Gratitude and respectful Homage. My “mission” was accomplished.
Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into Infinity.
Terri Guillemets, author
Next time -
Pont de l'Arche is a small town of the Middle Ages and the times of the Renaissance. See what is "Gothic Flamboyant" and an intro to the heart of Normandy; its cheeses and learn of a 12th century tapestry depicting Halley's Comet and a major change in history.
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