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Post 1634. Wednesday March 7
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Young François loved visiting Jean-Pierre and hearing about his wartime experiences as an officer in the French navy. Tales of valiant battles at sea.
François would tell Jean-Pierre about his adventures as a fearsome pirate, sailing to islands, searching for buried treasure. Sometimes he wore his eye patch and three pointed hat. His maman said one day he could have a parrot.
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Twelve years ago Jean-Pierre died. François’ treasured possession is a medal left to him in his will. Jean-Pierre would have been so proud of François for today he embarks upon a career in the Marine Nationale just as he did many years before.
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Written for Friday Fictioneers which is hosted by Rochelle.
This week’s picture is from Sandra Crook. Quite what the building is I’m unsure, but it appears to be in France and I have turned it into a retirement home for war veterans!
Dear Keith,
From generation to generation. Lovely story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you so much Rochelle.
The old man would have been pleased. Maybe he did inspire the child after all. Nice one.
Of that there’s no doubt. Thanks Subroto
Touching tale, Keith.
Jean-Pierre must have been some age!
Indeed! After reading your comment I had second thoughts about the hundred years and changed it! Thanks CE
When I grow old I want to be an astronaut. 😀 Nicely done.
Who knows, it might just happen!
I still haven’t figured out what I want to be when I grow up. Perhaps a cowboy.
A touching tale, Keith and well written.
xx Rowena
Thanks so much for you kind words Rowena
A nostalgic and inspiring tale.
Thank you Sandra and thanks too for your beautiful picture.
It’s always nice to see how someone from one generation can have such an impact upon his successors.
Indeed it is. Cheers Larry.
I hope his career turns out to be everything he hoped for.
Me too! Cheers iain
I like the way you have the old man and young boy swapping stories, true stories from the old man and imagined stories from the boy.
I’m really pleased you liked it, Penny, thanks.
Nice story here, Keith. Love the way the narrative shifts to show that Francois being inspired by Jean Pierre.
Thanks so much Varad
Googled that pic and it’s in the port of Briare. No mention of what the building is, but it and your story are lovely.
Detective Denise! I got as far as discovering it was in France by enlarging it and reading the memorial! Thank you so much, Denise.
Lovely story of inspiration.
Thank you for reading my little tale and commenting Jilly.
There’s something very special about the connection between what I’m guessing is a grandfather and grandson. This is a beautiful story.
There is indeed. Thanks very much for dropping by.
So touching how a legacy can pass into the another generation…
Not something I’ve experienced personally but I’d like to think it happens. Cheers Bjorn
I love the way the title encapsulates the enthusiasm for sailing expressed in Jean-Pierre’s tales of his exploits and the commitment to a career at sea for Francois. A superb story!
I’m pleased it came across that way, Edith. Thank you for your generous words.
An early mentor set him on a good career path. We should all have (and someday strive to be) such mentors.
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks, mimi.
What a wonderful take, Keith. It is good for boys to have positive role models…
It certainly is – girls too! Thanks, Dale.
Oh for sure!!
The old can have such a wonderful impact on the young. They have programmes here where the old and the young share time together – each learning about the others generations. Your piece showed this perfectly.
It is certainly something that should be encouraged. I’m pleased it came across that way in my piece. Thank you, Irene.
A touching tale.
Thank you Anurag
Yes, this would make a great retirement home – any places going?
When I snuff it you can have my place!
Liked the tenderness of your tale, told with finesse. I’m touched by the bond between Francois and Jean-Pierre. Good story.
Thanks so much for your kind words WWM
Sow a seed in a child’s mind…and see what happens. A good tale.
As long as it’s the right kind of seed. Sadly that’s not always so. Thanks Vivian
Following in the old man’s footstep. Nice!
Indeed. Thank you so much
A great story, Which I enjoyed. I smelt the sea
High praise indeed! Thanks so much Michael
I loved how Francois was inspired and influenced by John Pierre. What a special bond that must have been!
Lovely story, Keith,
It certainly was. Cheers moon.
A special relationship in a special tale. Loved how you took us to France and back, Keith.
A journey I make often Kelvin! Thank you.
Oh, goodness, this is so dear. What a lovely story you’ve produced in 100-words.
That really is so kind of you Alicia.
The old inspiring the young. How heart-warming.
If only it happened more often! Cheers Sarah
A wonderful take. Lovely tale.
Kind of you to say so, thank you.
A lovely time of childhood influences paying off.
It certainly was. Thank you Sarah
The dead soul is watching from the Heaven and is smiling.
https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2018/03/the-villa.html
I’m sure you are right. Thanks Kalpana
Who said ‘give me a child till he’s seven’? I can’t remember the rest, but it sums up the strength of early influence on a child.
Aristotle, I believe. OK, I cheated and Googled it! Cheers Liz
A sweet story about the influence one can have on a child. I wonder — was it the time Jean-Pierre spent with young François that influenced him so, or the stories Jean-Pierre told?
I imagine it was a little of each Jan. Thank you for commenting
What a sweet story. Moving and well written as usual!
That’s so kind of you Lavanya
He should have been a fisherman. After all, old fishermen never die. They just smell that way.
Boom boom!
Lovely story about a boy growing to manhood.
A kind and touching story, I like the simplicity of its telling.