On The Fly

“J'ai trouvé des trésors” (I’ve found some treasures). These were my first words (via FaceBook Messenger & Google Translate ) to my cousin Marie Claude Papot in La Rochelle, France.  “I have over 60 years of letters, postcards, photos, and notes written in a hand I cannot read, can you help?” “C'est une bonne idée!” Came her response. I’ve dubbed this “Project Translate.” It’s been over a year now since my mother ( Mauricette Ball ) passed away. Frankly, I'm ashamed to say she was the only connection to our French family. During a recent visit home I decided it was time to finally clean Mom’s house. It was obvious after almost a year none of my siblings wanted the responsibility of dealing with Mom’s belongings. Can’t say that I blame them really. All the years my parents lived in that same tiny house in the small Midwestern town of Cuba, IL. she saved everything (tucked neatly away in places you’d never suspect). Turns out I’ve uncovered bundles