I came back to my hometown after more than 50 years in America, land that I love! Of course I made many visits over the years to my parents and family. My Grandma Elisabeth had 12 brothers and sisters, and somehow we kids and grandkids were close to each other. So we had family reunions and gatherings of all sorts. We also had disapproval and hardships!

Now people called me the American, because I guess I had become one. I feel closer to the American culture than the French one! So, quickly upon my arrival people confronted me with harsh treatment, giving me lessons on politeness.

I went to the cinema to see the famous new film “Comte de Monte Christo.” Some scenes were hard to watch, so I took out my phone to look at my email (just for 10 seconds). After 3 seconds the lady in the next row hit my back with her fist to let me know that was not permitted! Yes, I should have known! I decided to keep quiet and let it go, but I thought she was rude.

Then I took a small bus around town and before I had a chance to count my change I was being screamed at by the driver, “What was I thinking? What about the other people who had an appointment? Are they going to be late because of me?” I resolved to make an effort to be more mindful of others and be prepared next time! Then the coffee shop guy let me have it! He said he is the one deciding the rules not me and I should have my change ready! Why I am encountering so many mean people? What is the reason behind all this?

The last example is when I was trying a new coffee shop in town, determined to find a happy encounter! So here I am taking my coffee again and it was break time for the owner. I was sitting outside so he went ahead and locked all the doors leaving me no way to use the bathroom, which was not funny.

Opposite was another coffee shop, and I thought I have the right to use their bathroom. They are probably friends and will help me use their bathroom. Was I wrong! There the owner was in one corner absorbed in his computer and I was not sure who he was? Perhaps a customer. Do I proceed to the bathroom? Then I was welcomed with a politeness plan applied to all ages! How could I do such a thing? Now I was in real trouble! No excuse could validate my action! How could I be so disgraceful! Now everyone in my hometown seems very upset about my behavior!

What did I learn? France is a country ready to shoot fire at anything and everything. Everyone is on edge and ready to pick a fight! Everyone feels miserable and unloved. I want to be the one to bring new hope here and soothe their pain and misery, because in fact I am the lucky one who received so much love from my Heavenly Parent and from my ideal beloved eternal husband.

It is true we can grow and be better at any age. We can be more polite. We can return meanness with gracefulness and free smiles that come from the heart. Kindness is free and make us feel good and happy.

But the other day I was grumpy, so I am thinking to repair the misunderstanding and prepare a plan of action…to obtain forgiveness. Perhaps I will buy each of them a croissant aux amandes (delicious!) or some popcorn from the USA.

Once we are loved, this makes our heart happy and patient and loving. So we need to recover the strength to become such people again.

Finally, I had one happy encounter, with Christophe in an outdoor coffee shop in Corbier. Christophe is a healer and medium and believe forces of goodness will prevail as well as a brand new world starting in 2025-2026!

With love from your friend,
Elisabeth Seidel