Dear Readers, many of you have commented on my mother’s negative reaction, when she glimpses me at the gate of La Maison d’Été, along the lines of… ‘that poor Jo,’ and, ‘wow, how could your mother behave like that!’ This has given me pause to want to reflect a little before proceeding. For she was not an unkind woman. Amongst my family, including the next generation, and our many friends who enjoyed her hospitality, this particular portrayal of the gracious, dignified figure they’d known would come as a surprise, even be a jolt. Memories of her held by all of us, especially later in her life, would be of someone essentially caring and empathetic.

Read more on the devlopment of relationships in Jo's reunited family here