An Amazing Answer

 

A short time ago, when I found a postcard in a book in a kiosk. There was an address from the sender. I sent this letter, never expecting a response.

Dear Sally : 

My husband just came back from walking our dog Sherlock with a book, No Time for Goodbye. Inside I found a card with your address and a message to your friends Carl and Ha (I think that’s the name). My husband had found the book in one of those kiosks outside a boulangerie.  

I added the photo of the kiosk and copied the message on the card before continuing. 

Of course, you may have moved long ago. Your card is dated 21 September ’08, well over a decade ago. From the warmth of the note and if you are still at the same address, I hope this brings back a pleasant memory.

Tomorrow, I will drop it in the mail. Do I expect to ever get an answer? Probably not. Maybe someone will be at that address and open the envelope. I can imagine any number of reactions. 

No matter what.

Today I peeked into the lives of Sally, Paul and Carl. May they all be well and happy.

Then today, I opened my email and received an answer.

Dear Donna,

My wife, Sally and I were delighted to receive your extremely thoughtful letter dated 28 January.  It took us a few minutes of serious thought to get to what we think is the solution!

Very distant relatives and lifelong friends, Paul and Carlotta Olivier, lived very close to you in the Rue des Jurets, Choulex.  Sadly, they are both dead.  Carlotta was educated in England and loved to read books in English. Sally used to recommend books to her and sometimes to send them. Carlotta was the last to die and the house clearance must have resulted in the book finding its way to your local kiosk!

It really was extremely kind of you and your husband to contact us; it actually created happy memories.

With many thanks and very kind regards.

 

In this world of estrangement, hatred, bigotry war, racism, and fear, when lives touch each other over the decades in a positive way, there are glimmers of hope. I'll never meet any of these people, but there is a good chance I'll walk Sherlock by Paul and Carl's home and know, it wasn't just a house, but a home where people lived and love. 

That's a gift!