I searched to see if the three windows were saved in the fire, and they were! You may read more here.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
A 23-year-old's impressions of Notre Dame in 1971
I kept all the letters and postcards I wrote to my mother when Tom and I traveled in 1971. Today I looked through them to see if I might have said anything about visiting Notre Dame, and I found a postcard!
I searched to see if the three windows were saved in the fire, and they were! You may read more here.
I searched to see if the three windows were saved in the fire, and they were! You may read more here.
I'm so glad they were able to save the windows and the towers. It was so sad seeing the rest burn. Talk about heartbreaking!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. It was fun reading my young thoughts.
DeleteWe must be the same age - I was there the same year, but 2 months later. Did not spend enough time at Notre Dame - always expected to return one day & never did. I love the postcard - thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteI just love it that you were there, 2 months later, and that you were the same age!! Thanks so much for telling me this. Do you have any postcards home you wrote??
DeleteAnd hey! it isn't too late to go back. They've been saying 5-6 years to fix it, and I've been thinking I'd like to be there for the opening again.
How fabulous that you still have the postcard. My husband and I spent several months in Paris in 1970, soaking up the culture and sights, and visited Notre Dame probably 20 times. It is full of beauty and holiness, and I am sad to see today's photos.
ReplyDelete20 times!!! Perhaps you will go back when it opens again.
DeleteI was there in the 80's. It was spectacular. The building oozed spiritual presences.
ReplyDeleteSo very true.
DeleteThis is a real treasure! I'm really glad you saved it and shared it. Here is an article I think you may find interesting. https://www.messynessychic.com/2019/04/18/did-the-rooftop-bees-of-notre-dame-survive/?fbclid=IwAR2THWOKga0WBJzwH9UbShWxVObh5Yrj4M4qRtHwnxoxwsXHNJO4DYoNVYA
ReplyDeleteI'm no Marie Kondo! haha
DeleteThanks for the article.
Wonderful article with wonderful news!!!
DeleteThat is a lovely postcard and I'm sure it is a cherished memory. My dad took me there what I was young and I'm so glad I was able to take my Kiddo there when she was young. I really hope they can restore Notre Dame enough to open it again someday. It makes me want to reread Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame.
ReplyDeleteI've heard 5-6 years.
DeleteI love that you still have that postcard, but even more so that you wrote such a lovely, detailed message to your "mommy." You gave her a glimpse into your day and the beauty of the cathedral. What a gift from a daughter to a mother. I wouldn't expect any less of you, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very nice thing to say. Thank you, Les. You brought tears to my eyes.
Deletexoxo
DeleteNan, thank you for the nice comment you left for me. I do miss blogging and will probably return someday. However, summer is coming and work on the farm will keep me very busy. And...at age 78 I'm getting somewhat slow. :)
ReplyDeleteSlow is just fine! Hope you do write some more.
DeleteNan, your postcard is so special! I am glad you still have it. We are kindred spirits because I have a hard time letting go of sentimental things too. I loved your line, "There was a lovely glow inside from lamps and candles...". When my son heard about the fire his first comment was,"I am so glad I got to see it." He went on a trip to Europe with his high school German foreign language class many years ago and has not forgotten the experience of being inside Notre Dame. A trip to Europe is on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Thanks so much for your words! I hope to go back there someday.
DeleteWhat a beautiful memory. Thank you for sharing. How nice that you found this!
ReplyDeleteThank you! We have a little safe in the house, and that's where I kept them.
DeleteEven though my wife and I last visited Notre Dame way back in 1993, we both found it heartbreaking to watch the fire almost destroy this beautiful church. My daughters were 21 and 16 at the time, and that's all they talked about for a week after the fire. I'm thankful that we have those memories.
ReplyDelete