Metaphor

We went driving to Nez de Jobourg, a very high and steep rock formation along the coast of Normandy. We weren’t lucky with the weather, fog for hours.

We went hiking along a small trail and returned after an hour, and then when we ate our lunch the sun came out for 15 minutes! Wonderful moment (see extra photo).

On the photo you'll see Eline and her uncle Peder. He used to live on Curaçao for a long time until he had to move to the Netherlands due to health and family issues. He lived in Breda for about a year until his brother passed away, and from the money he inhereted he invested in the castle where he lives now with two friends who run a bed and breakfast there.

But, he has gotten old and less responsive since the last time I've seen him. He has made it a habit to talk about nothing, no interesting conversations,, no feelings, just his memories, not interested in other people but himself. It's been that for years and I always hesitated to go see him but Eline wanted to ask him about her mother (his sister, who passed away a few years ago) and the relationship they had. Eline knows about nothing about her family because no one bothered to talk about it. And still doesn't. She didn't get the answers she was hoping for, but at least she knows now where that comes from. Actually, her uncle had pictures of her grand parents in his chamber and Eline had never seen them before or knew the names of them. Isn't that weird? I feel sorry for her that she has such a closed off relationship with her relatives. And I'm greatful she is not like that, she is very much open about her feelings.

So, the fog did lift up for a short moment, but came down again, That, in hindsight, is a good metaphor for this day.