For the past three months, Michael and I have been sharing a secret. This is a secret that has been closely kept between just the two of us. We have shared bits and pieces with each of our families, but the 'full' secret has been solely ours. Today, as I drove past the Alpilles mountains, I finally realized the full beauty and the weight of this secret that we have been carrying with us. You see, the Alpilles mountains have become our own. One part of the ridge has four distinct peaks that Michael and I adore. Every time we drive by them, or every time we're out walking along the road, we comment about how much we love the Alpilles. We say, "Look at our mountains today! Aren't they so beautiful?" Today, as we watched them fall over the horizon in the rear view mirror, a thought occurred to me. I began wondering when I'd be back to visit St. Remy again and who would be with me. At that point, I knew that the only person I would ever want by my side would be Michael. He's the only one that shares the same emotions for this place that I do. I realized that no one else would love those mountains in the same way that I would. I realized that my friends and family wouldn't think they were extraordinary compared to the Rockies or even the Smoky mountains for that matter. And I finally understood that this place is a place truly loved from the heart by both Michael and me.
For us, Provence began as an extended vacation. We chose St. Remy because we liked Provence and liked Mas Dagan (from the pictures we found online). We went into this experience comparing it to other vacations we've taken; Mexico, California, etc. But, reflecting now, since those first days, Provence has become our home. We lived our lives here the past three months and this place has brought us closer together. It has helped to bind us and wrapped another thread around us. Michael is the only one who has shared the weight and beauty of this secret in the same way as I have. We have loved this place as a home rather than a vacation spot. We have loved it with our whole hearts, not just with taste buds and tanned skin. We have learned, grown, and changed since we've been here, much like you do in your homes. It makes me sad to know that you won't know about the little laundry room detached from the house; a place I thought peaceful and intriguing. It makes me sad to know that when you hear us talk about Ozzie and Pudge, they will just be stray cats to you; to us they made our months here exciting. It makes me sad to know that our stories will just remain as stories to you; to us our stories are our memories we will forever cherish as being some of the greatest times in our lives.
We all have secrets, don't we? Be grateful and thankful for them, and love those you share them with. They may just be some of the greatest times of your life.
