People have asked me if much has changed since I left Cadrieu in October of 2012. I've written about some of the physical changes in Figeac, new (not so nice) neighbors, and being here without Dali. But, there is also an element of loss.
I've loved the donkeys along the route to the bus since my arrival in 2002. They belong to my on the road neighbors, the Pages's. Winter of 2003, I began calling one Joan of Arc because of the her very fluffy bangs and winter do. When this brown guy came along, I felt like he should be called something royal...King Authur or Lancelot, even if Francis or Louie would have been more appropriate. I also began calling the inside road to the Pages's house "Donkey Road". Over time, I discoverd through friends that their real names were Pom-Pom and Pom-Pommette. They were quite a pair and had lots of fun on a regular basis. I would know. Dali and I passed them every morning on our walk and I'd pass regularly on my bike rides into Cajarc.
When I returned, I discovered that one of the donkeys had passed away. No one was able to tell me which one. I've been puzzling over it since my arrival. That was, until yesterday. When I arrived at the bus stop, Madame Pages was also waiting to ride into Figeac to head to the market. We chatted away (she is very patient with my French and my pitiful pronounciation) and (among other things) I discovered that it was Pom-Pom that passed away.
He was a frisky and special guy! I can only imagine how Pom-Pommette has been missing him. They say you should never have only one donkey. They bray and cry for their mate. And, he was also such a photogenic guy! I miss him too.
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