Yesterday I spent the most delightful day with Richard Denoix and Lenore Colarusso in their French hometown of Besançon. The town was beautiful and I was so happy to reconnect with them. It dawned on me this morning that maybe it isn’t a coincidence that I am seeing “The Baker’s Wife” in London next week, the story of a French village, their baker and his wife. They owned the French bakery in Livermore, and almost every morning I would stop by for coffee, croissant and chat with Lenore, the baker’s wife, as well as other residents of the town. Richard was usually busy. Baking.
Near where this picture was taken, is a monument to the Americans who liberated the city from the Nazis in September 1944. Richard talked about meeting John Shirley, former mayor of Livermore, and finding out that he was part of the 3rd infantry that liberated his hometown. Dr. Shirley was one of the kindest people I have ever met, and I loved seeing him at the Bankhead and running into him around town or at the bakery.
John passed away in 2021 at 97, and the ultra right wing that is on the rise in the world today is partly because we are loosing this important link with our history. I didn’t live through the depression and WWII, but my parents did, and shared their stories. I understand the perils and how important it is to fight these evil tendencies from raising their ugly heads. I hope Americans stand up again to defeat hate in 2024 like John Shirley did in 1944.
Richard and I also toured the Cathédral Saint-Jean, the seat of the Archbishop of Besançon. The music director was practicing the organ, which was an added treat for me. Richard is now a Deacon and they are both devout Catholics. We talked about how, as a Catholic, he is a minority in the US. In another time, we could not have been friends. If you know me, I am a devout Atheist, but our views are very much the same – love and respect your neighbors and treat them the way you want to be treated, whether you like them or not. No exceptions. That and forgive people. Lots of devout folks have forgotten that. A beautiful day with beautiful people. I’ll be back!
I love this! I remember Lenore and Richard; I was in their charming bakery often and was sad to see them leave. I do, however, like Wingen a lot as well. The bakery was left to good hands. I also remember Mr. Shirley, a lovely, gentle man. My parents lived through WWII in Poland. What a wonderful adventure you are having.
So great to learn about John Shirley, Scott, and your message.