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Suz Rogge's avatar

Oh my friend, it’s pretty unbelievable the amount trouble Mr. Murphy caused someone I know to be a stupendously, good human! And your sadness and disappointment over missing this trip to Paris with your guys for Christmas is so deeply understandable and palpable, that three thousand miles away I am asking WTF! to those running the universe. You are owed one helluva make up trip to the city of light, my friend, and a bunch of other good luck, too. And I sincerely hope you mostly, if not completely, over the gift David brought back. May Mr. Murphy have realized by now that he completely got the wrong person and be planning how he will make it up to you in spades in 2024. I am so glad you had some sweet moments with your pup and Brenda while you were on your own. I am thinking possibly May to reschedule a trip out there. Gary would like to come, too. How does that work for you and David?

Sending much love and a big hug,

Suzanne

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

Hi Suzanne,

Many thanks for this sweet message. Turns out May is when I plan to be back in Paris, and shortly thereafter attend Will's graduation, so I'm not quite sure about logistics, but let's chat soon. xoxo

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Renee Rothmann's avatar

Unbelievable confluence of events! I think you’ve used your entire allowance of things that can go wrong for this year- safe until next rosh hashana

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

We can only hope...xoxo

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Jennifer Atkins's avatar

So sad about the multiple misadventures. My adrenaline was racing when you were still trying to renew the passport (even though I knew how it sadly turned out). Lots to be disappointed about. But you still find glimmers oh humor and hope.

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Growing Sideways's avatar

Wow! What a not jolly holiday. But as an Italian friend, once said to me, especially about travel, or in your case, not travel, challenges make great stories. Thank you for writing this, and also showing the silver linings even in the crummiest and crud-est of times.

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Janie's avatar

This is like an episode from the 1985 film Lost in America. Maybe you should watch it for comfort? So sorry you went through this and now have covid! You are intrepid for all the ways you tried to make things work and down with the burly New Hampshire passport guards who blocked your last stand. What a story Elisse. I am now checking my own passport expiration date too.

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Jenn Mc's avatar

I am truly sorry for all the bad luck…I mean, it was like you couldn’t catch a break! But glad to hear you able to get out and about with friends. I’d love to connect this year. And if you have time to take a side trip to Normandy, lemme know; I rented a car from Paris & spent 5 days driving around the region this past spring. Happy belated Hanukkah…and Happy New Year!.

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Elisse Gabriel's avatar

Well, it all worked out well. This was written the year before last, so I did get to see Aidan last spring and we enjoyed a one-on-one adventure. Would love to catch up with you this year too! Let's connect soon. xo

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