Mending Wounded Hearts

After my chat with Brandon, I made a few more calls, one of which was to Henri confirming our ETA. He told me the kids were all wound up about the visit and that his wife was pretty pumped up too. Avril was a bubbly young woman with lovely blue eyes and a fantastic personality.      

Ally and I had a lovely meal in the hotel restaurant and we felt free to drink more than just a glass of wine. We had champagne with a murderously decadent chocolate pastry for dessert and waddled back to the lift to return to our suite.

We relaxed and enjoyed a quiet evening, chatting about what we'd seen and where we'd been so far. The last item on our agenda would be a special access tour of the Louvre with Louis and Elodie Friday evening. It was a fitting way to conclude our first visit to France as a married couple.

I woke with a start at five in the morning thinking there was something I had failed to do. But it was just an illusion. We were essentially packed for our trip, the Peugeot 3008 SUV was waiting for us in the garage. I had given it a test drive and noted where all the controls were. It moved quite smartly for a diesel SUV. The French were paying more for a liter of gas than I paid for a gallon at home. Ally woke and made herself a cup of coffee before getting a shower and brushing her teeth. I had already seen to that myself so I watched the BBC news and then looked up the weather again. 

We were just leaving the garage at six-thirty and I headed southwest out of Paris observing that the vast majority of traffic was moving northeast into the city. After forty minutes of driving, we were on clear road with only the odd car or HGV hauler to share it with. We took our time and stopped in a small village an hour out of town. 

The café had been recommended by Elodie. I had something akin to cream of wheat with blueberries and brown sugar plus a few croissants. By ten o'clock, we were taking the turn for Cande sur Beuvron. We had taken a few deliberate side trips and one inadvertent one but it didn't affect us adversely. We enjoyed the diversion and the experience of being surrounded by a large flock of sheep that was coming the opposite direction.

We stopped at a café for lunch and answered plenty of questions. The village was a popular tourist location for French and other holiday makers. When asked why we were there in the middle of the week I explained that my son lived not far away. I mentioned "The Dancing Dog" farm and our server knew Henri and Avril quite well.

"We thought you were Americans from Henri's description," the woman exclaimed.

"We are indeed, we live on the west coast, north of Los Angeles," I shared.

"I presumed you were Canadians, you speak very well," Genna praised.

We enjoyed our lunch and toured the village and then took a walk through the parkland. By the time we were through, the shops were open again and we picked up sweets for the kids and pastries for a contribution to afternoon tea. I had checked in advance to see what was popular in the household. I had several bottles of wine that I brought along, they were from the Reichler's vineyards. For Henri I brought a bottle of very fine single malt. I had rather corrupted him with the stuff when he was still in college.

Bringing him wine was like carrying coal to Newcastle but he was very interested in California wine. He and I would be discussing the new drill rig that was now in production. By agreement I would discuss getting Henri involved in the distribution end of things in France, or at least the Loire valley. Loaded down with goodies we made our way back to the car and began the short drive to Henri and Avril's.

I began to understand the need for an SUV as Henri had recommended. The secondary road was rough but the track out to the farm was an obstacle course. Henri had explained that the road developed ruts and pits while some of it washed out every spring. They would add gravel and grade several times a year but truck traffic really took a toll. Besides, if the road was smooth all the time they'd be up to their necks in tourists looking for a free taste. Tastings were all done in the village, it was just easier for all concerned.

At last, we arrived at the gate which was pushed open by two little boys. I had never met them but I knew them from their photos.

"David, James it's nice to meet you. I'm your Grampa Rob and this is Gramma Ally," I announced.

James pulled a radio out of his pocket and informed whoever was listening of our arrival.

"We're not really your grandsons, we're just foster kids," David explained.

"Nonsense, if you live under my son's roof, you're my grandsons. We don't make any distinction in our family," I corrected. "Are you on gate duty or are you available to jump in and show us where we're going."

"We were just going to the house, David can ride with you and I'll bring the quad bike," James smiled quizzically. I gave him a hug, then squeezed David and opened the back door for him to climb in. James shot off ahead of us while David gave me directions as we went.

"The house was as I remembered it, it was a large chateau and they probably needed every square inch of it since there were ten kids assembled on the walkway.

"Welcome, Grandmama and Grandpapa," the children all greeted at once and in English.

"Thank you my dears," I replied first in English and then in French. Ally joined me in thanks and we began greeting each child. Some I knew on sight, Andre's, Robert and Paul were Henri's oldest boys. Genevieve was next by age and little Gervais was the youngest, the other five I knew or had at least seen photos of them. I hugged and kissed them all and Ally followed suit asking names and ages as she went.

"And is that Edgar?" I asked nodding to a small boy on the step,"

"That's Edgar, he's new here and he's kind of shy," Paul volunteered.

I walked up the steps and offered my hand, I introduced myself in French and told him that I was glad to meet another grandson. He shook my hand and smiled at me. I offered him a hug and he flew into my arms. With that out of the way, I pulled Ally up on the porch and introduced her to Avril. Henri was on his way to the house.

We all sat down together to chat and held each of the grandkids on our laps. David was eager but James was a bit circumspect but I coaxed him up and asked how he liked it here. He told me it was much nicer than the city but the school teachers were tougher. He explained that he had lived in Angers but he ran away when his parents abused him. I hugged him and told him that he was in a safe place now. He began to relax a bit and settled in.

Paul had taken it upon himself to herd and care for the foster boys and he was very tender with them. He didn't order them around but led by example. He treated his biologic siblings the same way. It was pretty clear that all the boys held the young teen in high esteem. He had Maurice's gentle smile and light touch. 

After we had spoken with each child, I asked Avril if the children could have a few sweets. She thought it would be fine and sent Genevieve for a bowl at my request. I opened the tote and poured about half into the bowl and passed the rest to Avril for later distribution. We placed the bowl on a low table and allowed the children to choose their favorites.

Abby handed Avril a silk scarf and together we handed her a digital photo frame. I had loaded the card with pictures of all the boys and their friends, also our home and grounds.

"Is this your Carter?" Avril asked Ally.

"Yes, he's grown a bit since the last photo you saw. He's very happy these days. There was some trouble yesterday but I'll tell you about that later," Ally promised.

Henri arrived and I hugged him and introduced him to Ally. She did the same and he reciprocated. We adjourned to his office and left Ally and Avril to chat.

"It's so good to see you Dad, We'd love to visit but some of the children aren't allowed to leave the country. It's a condition of custody. We'll get there eventually. There's a provision for special conditions that I hope to exploit. Did you meet Edgar?"

"Yes, I did. He's a sweet little fellow. And I think I've made inroads with James. He was a bit standoffish at first, but he's warming to the idea of grandparents. He's certainly glad to be here," I shared.

"Yes, initially he was a bit troubling but with Paul's help he began to settle in and feel comfortable. He and David are very close. They met here but they're rarely apart these days. David has helped pull James into the family bosom," Henri explained.

"And Edgar?" I inquired.

"He was abandoned on the central reservation of the A-85 motorway near Tours. They just left him clinging to a pole in February. It broke our hearts to hear of his plight. They still haven't located the parents. Jerome and Guillaume are probably only here for a couple of months. Their problems are both to do with family illnesses," Henri continued.

"Eleven kids under one roof. I maxed out at six not counting friends. I like to think that Maurice and I set you a good example. You've certainly carried on the tradition. Do they help around the farm and vineyards?" I asked.

"There's not much they can do in the vineyards until it's time to pick. We do it all by hand and the kids pitch in and carry grapes to the float and make sure the pickers have all the water they need. They also tend the sheep and cattle while Gervais and Edgar help Avril with the chickens. Andres is very good in the vegetable garden. He's not interested in wine. He wants a career in art; painting or sculpting are his preferred methods. He's not bad at painting. I would never force him into the wine business. It's something you have to love to do it properly," Henri concluded.

"As with so many things, eh?" I nudged.

"So what have you been up to besides collecting another family?" Henri chuckled.

"Do you remember Dan Reichler?" I asked.

He told me he did and I told him about Peter's invention and how we had it in production. I mentioned that we would be looking for willing growers that would be willing to test the machines and report back and that eventually we would need distribution help. I explained the concept and how the machine was designed to work without disturbing the vines.

He asked what my part was in this and I explained the reengineering and design work. I also discussed the robotics aspect. 

"I thought perhaps when we have enough of them I might bring one over for a demo. If you like it you can show it to other growers. The next iteration will have an adjustable track width to accommodate other crops. I have a video of our beta machine in action on Dan's place. I'll send it to you and you can see what you think."

"It sounds interesting Dad, It would have to be tested by the AOC of course; but you already knew that. I would be willing to try it out and determine if it's practical," Henri agreed.

"How do you keep your vines warm now?" I asked.

"We use mylar shields to prevent freezing, plus water heaters and pumps. It eats a lot of fuel and labor," He shared.

"This system will be labor intensive to install but once it's in that's it. A solar powered pump system will circulate the mineral salts and charge the backup batteries. No more keeping half your crew up on cold nights or burning expensive fuel for generators. The system stays installed year round. Combined with the Mylar shields you shouldn't lose any vines to winter weather. That's what Peter was thinking about when he hatched this idea."

"How old is Peter now?"

"Fourteen going on thirty, he's still a wonderful kid. Before I forget, Dan sent me with a few bottles of his best and I have a special surprise for you," I said as I slid the tote from behind the chair. I laid the forty- year-old bottle of Glen Gorhamshe in his lap and grinned. That single malt has a very limited client list. It's sold only to private clubs and I cajoled Burma into securing a fifth for you."

"Thanks Dad, I've heard of this stuff and I know it's hard to get. I'll share it sparingly," Henri smiled. He looked just a bit choked up.

"I hope the kids will like the jumpers we brought and thanks for letting us know about little Edgar. He's included. We hope to get an idea of what each child is interested in so we can send appropriate gifts," I said hopefully.

Dinner was served at six, it's the only way to deal with eleven kids. Everyone sat down at the long table and some of the children said grace quietly to themselves. Avril had carved up a huge roast and it was quite succulent. 

"That's from one of the steers I raised last season," Paul informed me.

"I was going to ask what sort of cattle you were raising, are they strictly beef or dairy cows as well?"

"Both, we drink the milk and make cheese with the rest. Nobody on our farm has to buy milk, eggs or butter. Our employees each get several wheels of cheese each year. We consume a portion of our produce here and trade with other farms for crops we don't grow," Paul lectured. "But you already knew that didn't you, we've been doing it since I can remember, sorry Grandpapa," Paul blushed.

"Yes I knew some of that, but you filled in quite a few blanks for me, Paul," I grinned at him. "I just met a man who has a huge herd of Normandes, his name is Rivard."

"That's the breed we keep for dairy cows and we keep Charolais for beef. We share out the beef with our workers just like the rest. It makes their salaries last longer. We haven't had anyone quit in years," Paul added.

"Do you plan to be a farmer as a profession?" I asked.

"Perhaps. I'll be going to university to study engineering but I'll study husbandry also. I enjoy working with the animals but not so much the crops. That's Andres' domain. He could grow turnips in a bread pan."

"I plan to work with the soil in some way, I want a degree in biology. I think I'd like to try starting a nursery here if we have the room. More people around here are planting decorative plants and they have to go to Tours for the closest nursery now. I probably don't need a degree to run a nursery but I want one in case I decide to try cloning or mutations. I know people think GMOs are bad but they're wrong. They will end up feeding a lot of people in the future once the reactionaries pull their heads out," Andres explained.

"What about pollination, do the GMO crops support bees and other insects that usually do the job?" I probed.

"Yes actually, the bees do their job as usual with GMOs without any negative effect. Since GMOs only repel pest insects there are no insecticides used so it's actually better for the bees and butterflies."

"Well it's clear you know your stuff, I hope you'll keep me updated on your progress," I praised.

"I've been through his research and I'd be willing to have my bees pollinate GMOs. It's probably safer for the bees in the long run," Genevieve put in.

"Our bees actually Gen, we tend them with Mama's help. But she's right though; our hives are healthy and we'd know immediately if something was off," Robert added.

"I'm thoroughly impressed. Gervais, you haven't said much, how are you doing with the chickens?"

"Really well, with Edgar to help it's much easier. He's good with the hens. I um… we'll show you the enclosure tomorrow, Grandpapa.

"James and I don't specialize, we help everybody because we're city kids. I never even saw a live chicken before I came here. But we get to ride quads and learn stuff they don't teach in school. It's not all easy but it's interesting," David remarked.

"And you Guillaume?" I asked the tall slightly built boy. He was just a month or two behind Paul but less developed physically. He seemed a bit shy.

"I help with the horses, we keep draft horses and breed them. They're better for the land than tractors to haul the floats and other wagons. They add to the soil wherever they go too. We raise and drive Percherons, Ardennes and Cob Normande's. The Cobs do well in the vineyards because they're smaller. Sadly they don't live as long as the big guys," Guillaume replied wistfully.

"Do you keep saddle horses?" I asked.

"Oh yes! We keep Andalusians and a breed of Percherons suited for riding. We just had several mares serviced by a very good stallion last year. We expect six or more foals beginning in April. Some of the new mares won't foal in their first season," Guillaume explained deftly, undaunted by the reproductive process.

"And will this be your life or do you have other aspirations?" I queried.

"I'd like to be a large animal vet, I see them work and I've helped them with several jobs. I like the work. I hope I can get into a university to study." 

"I think with the knowledge you've all displayed, you'll be unstoppable," I crowed. "Genevieve, what are your plans or dreams?"

"No, you'll all laugh," she blanched.

"I doubt that but if you'd rather tell me in private, I'll be happy to wait," I assured.

"Well, I want to be like Grandma LaValle, she was a midwife and she knew herbs and folk remedies. Some people said she was a witch but they still came to her when they needed her help. I have all her books and notes and I would like to help people."

"Why would anyone laugh at that, it's a laudable plan and with a midwife's certificate you could ease a lot of suffering? Rural people often have to travel great distances to reach a hospital. Most births could be done at home with less stress on both mother and child. The help of a midwife would make the process much easier. A midwife can spot a problem developing ahead of time and get a doctor to consult. I think that's a wonderful profession to pursue," Ally chimed in.

"Are you really a doctor?" Genevieve inquired.

"Yes, I'm a pediatrician, but I'm also trained in trauma care and mobile emergency response. I was responding to a medical emergency when I met Rob. I'm temporarily retired; but I might start a new practice close to home," Ally informed her.

"That sounds very exciting, did you really ride around in a helicopter like Daddy said?" Genevieve pressed.

"Well, mostly it was a matter of waiting around for a call. Some days were busy but some were without any activity. But when we were dispatched we flew in a helicopter," Ally regaled her.

"I don't think I'd like to be a doctor, all the ones we know are tired all the time," Genevieve concluded.

"Okay children, you need to start getting ready for bed, get your showers and put on your nightclothes and come back down for kisses," Avril commanded sweetly.

"Dad, would you like to help me supervise.They need a watchful eye to keep them focused," Henri inquired.

"Sure, I'll let the ladies chat by themselves," I agreed and joined Henri for a trip up the stairs.

"Our well pump gives very good pressure so we can run two showers at the same time while another two kids brush their teeth. I know you won't be shocked but some of the boys are shy. Genevieve goes second and then helps Gervais and Edgar with their bath since they're not big enough to shower safely by themselves. They play in the tub and wait for Genevieve to finish and she helps them," Henri explained.

It was a very familiar procedure. One boy brushed while the other showered and then they swapped. Paul always took the first shower and then supervised after he brushed. 

"Does this remind you of our home when you were young?" I asked Henri.

"Yes, it does. You were always on hand to quell disputes or answer questions. Thank you for setting such a good example, it has served me well. I always thought we'd have mostly girls because it runs in the family but as you can see we have only the one," Henri smiled.

"I guess I did my job then, I was supposed to prepare my boys to be good men and fathers and I'm pretty happy with the results. Luke and Julie are preparing to foster and possibly adopt a homeless child," I shared.

"That's fantastic, when we were still dating, Avril told me she wanted lots of kids and I knew she was the woman for me. It was rough the first three years, we had her younger brother and her nephew living in a small house while we renovated this place. At the same time I was getting the grapes back into line and soon I needed a farmhand and then another. 

Five years in, I struck a deal with a Vintner. He would make the wine and I would supply the grapes in a partnership. I own the facility and he provided the knowledge and had me working with him. He retired last year but he still answers questions for me. I rarely have to ask because he was so thorough and I have a cousin and Avril's nephew, Jean Louis here helping and they picked up a lot from old Jaques," Henri explained.

I know you had a bit of trouble with diseased vines like everyone else here, how badly did it affect you?" I asked.

"Not as bad as some. When I first heard that there was a problem in the north of the valley, I began taking measures. We only lost about a hundred vines. That's painful enough but we have thousands of vines here. I insisted that everyone who entered wore a paper suit and boots while walking around. They had to walk through a disinfectant tray and the vehicles that came on site were disinfected too. Drivers complained but our procedures prevented a major loss."

"Is that why there's a warehouse on the entrance drive?"

"Yes, if it happens again we can just load the product out there and keep outside trucks off the premises," Henri confirmed.

"Your road won't suffer as much as a result," I suggested.

"It will be better when you go back, the grader will run tomorrow and we'll put down new gravel and then actually pave the road this summer

"Hold up James, you have soap on your back. I think we can get it with a flannel," I alerted him.

James felt the back of his neck and lost control of his towel causing him to blush terribly.

"Relax James, you have nothing to be embarrassed about, come with me and we'll get you fixed up," I encouraged.

"Thanks Grandpapa, I'm just a little shy," James uttered.

"It's quite alright, let's get you wiped off and you can continue to your room. Just so you know, with all the boys I've raised I have seen a penis or two. There is nothing wrong with yours as far as I can tell," I teased gently.

David hopped out of the shower while I was clearing the soap and dried himself taking no notice of me whatsoever. They were ready to go at the same time so I kissed them and patted their bottoms as they left. I could hear David ask James what was going on.

Robert entered for his turn and hung up his robe.

"Well, look at the muscles on you, your becoming quite a big boy, in a couple of years you'll be as big as Paul," I cheered.

"I hope I'm taller than him. I want to be tall like you Grandpapa," He chattered. 

I made room so another boy could get at the sink and rejoined Henri.

Once all the kids were dressed for bed they presented themselves for goodnight kisses and toddled off to bed if not to immediate slumber. Paul was a night owl like me. Robert would usually read before sleep and Andres was blessed with sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. They would all be up early for school and ride to the bus stop on quad bikes.

I was pretty tired myself, Ally was still going strong but I reminded her that Avril would have to rise early. I said my goodnights and made my way upstairs for a shower and shave. Ally was reading when I reached the bed.

"My turn?" She asked.

"As you wish, Madame," I bowed to her.

Later I felt her coming to bed, it was a cool evening so I had made use of the firewood in the fireplace. It caught easily and took the chill off the room.

"This reminds me so much of home, even the house is similar, we had a fireplace in the room that Cammie and I shared. It always seemed to be me that took care of laying the fire. Cammie could never remember to open the flue or the damper so she cleaned up the ashes and I laid and lit the fires. Obviously you're so much better at it than me, I might be losing my touch," Ally chuckled.

"Well, if you'd like to keep your hand in, I'll let you do the next one," I teased.

"Pass, that's what indulgent husbands are for, Ally grinned.