Introduction
In the heart of West Africa lies the vibrant and culturally rich country of Ivory Coast. It is a land of lush landscapes, bustling markets, and welcoming people.
For one French man, this country held a treasure more precious than gold - The memory of a woman who had once been in his world. This is the story of a journey back in time, about a quest to find the nanny who had loved him like a mother, and the emotional reunion after Thirty-eight years that would change both their lives forever.
Join me as we gently explore this wonderful book.
Chapter One : The Early Years
Jean-Luc was born in a small town called Chamonix in France, the only child of a hardworking father and a mother who had passed on while he was just a three year old boy.
His father, a dedicated engineer, was often go on business, leaving Jean-Luc in the care of various nannies. But none of them could fill the void left by his mother. This lingered until they moved to Ivory Coast in West Africa.
Jean-Luc's early years were marked by a sense of loneliness and longing. His father, though loving, was often preoccupied with his work, leaving the young boy to navigate the complexities of childhood on his own. The nannies in France who came and went were kind, but they were no substitute for the maternal love he craved. Jean-Luc often found solace in his imagination, creating worlds where he was surrounded by love and warmth.
One particularly cold winter evening, Jean-Luc sat by the fireplace, and overheard his father talking on the phone about a new job opportunity in Ivory Coast. The excitement in his father's voice was palpable, and Jean-Luc could not help but feel a spark of curiosity. What was Ivory Coast like? Would it be different from France? He did not know that this move would change his entire life.
Chapter Two: A New Home in Ivory Coast
When Jean-Luc was six years old, his father was offered a job in Ivory Coast. The move was a big change for the young boy, but it was also an adventure. The vibrant colors, the exotic smells, and the friendly faces of the locals quickly captivated him. It was here, in this new and exciting land that he met the woman who became his second mother.
The journey to Ivory Coast was long and tiring, but Jean-Luc was filled with a sense of anticipation. As the plane descended into Abidjan, the capital city of Ivory Coast, he pressed his face against the window, marveling at the lush greenery and the bustling city below. The heat hit him like a wave as they stepped off the plane, and a stark contrast to the cold winters he was used to in France.
Their new home was a modest house in a quiet neighborhood, surrounded by tall palm trees and colorful flowers. Jean-Luc's father had arranged for a local nanny to help take care of him while he would be at work.
The first time Jean-Luc met Ama, he was struck by her warm smile and gentle demeanor. She knelt down to his level, looked him in the eyes, and said, "Bonjour, Jean-Luc. Je m'appelle Ama. Je vais m'occuper de toi." (Meaning, Hello, Jean-Luc. My name is Ama. I will be taking care of you).
From that moment Ama became a constant presence in Jean-Luc's life. She would there whenever he woke up in the morning, preparing his breakfast with a smile. She was there when he came home from school, ready to listen to his stories about the day. She was there when he went to bed, singing him lullabies in her soft, melodic voice. Ama's love was like a warm blanket, wrapping around Jean-Luc and making him feel safe and cherished.
Chapter Three: The Maid Who Stole His Heart
The Maid's name was Ama, a kind and gentle woman with a smile that could light up the darkest room. From the moment she walked into their home, Jean-Luc felt a connection. Ama was different from the other nannies. She did not just take care of him; she loved him. She cooked his favorite meals, sang him lullabies, and told him stories of her own childhood. She was his protector, his confidant, and also his friend.
Ama's love was unconditional. She did not just see Jean-Luc as a child she was paid to look after; she saw him as her own. She would often tell him stories about her village, about the traditions and customs of her people, and about the importance of family and community. Jean-Luc would listen intently, fascinated by the world Ama described for him. It was a world so different from his own, yet it felt familiar in a way he could not quite explain.
One of Jean-Luc's fondest memories was the time Ama took him to the local market. The market was a bustling, vibrant place, filled with the sounds of laughter and haggling, the smells of spices and fresh produce, and the colors of brightly types of fabrics and handcrafted goods. Ama held his hand tightly as they both navigated through the crowd, stopping every now and then to greet the people she knew. She introduced Jean-Luc to the vendors, proudly telling them that he was her "petit fils" (grandson). Jean-Luc felt a swell of pride at being called her grandson, and he could not help but smile.
As they walked through the market, Ama bought ingredients for dinner, explaining to Jean-Luc how to choose the best vegetables and how to tell if fish was fresh. She even let him help her haggle with the vendors, teaching him a few phrases in the local language.
By the time they left the market, Jean-Luc's arms were full of bags of market gifts, and his heart was full of joy.
Back at home, Ama taught Jean-Luc how to cook traditional Ivorian dish. They worked together in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, seasoning the fish, and stirring the pot. Ama's hands moved with practiced ease, and she patiently guided Jean-Luc through each step.
When the dish was finally ready, they sat down together to eat, savoring the fruits of their labor. Jean-Luc had never tasted anything so delicious like this, and he told Ama, you are the best cook. She smiled and said, "C'est parce que c'est fait avec amour." (Meaning, it's because it was made with love).
Chapter Four: A Sudden Farewell
For five wonderful years, Ama was a constant presence in Jean-Luc's life. But then, his father retired, and they had to return to France. The day they left was one of the hardest of Jean-Luc's life. He hugged Ama tightly, promising to never forget her. But as the years passed, life got in the way, and they lost touch.
The news of their return back to France came suddenly. Jean-Luc's father had received a letter from his company, informing him that his retirement had been approved and that they would need to return to France within the month. Jean-Luc was devastated. He did not want to leave Ivory Coast, and he certainly did not want to leave Ama.
The days leading up to their departure were filled with a mix of emotions. Jean-Luc tried to savor every moment with Ama, knowing that their time together was limited. They spent their days doing all of Jean-Luc's favorite things - visiting the market, cooking together, and telling stories. But there was an underlying sadness that neither of them could ignore.
On the morning of their departure, Ama woke Jean-Luc up early. She had prepared a special breakfast, all of his favorite foods. They sat together at the table, eating in silence. Jean-Luc could feel the lump in his throat growing, and he struggled to hold back his tears. Ama reached across the table and took his hand to hers.
"Jean-Luc," she said softly, "je t'aime beaucoup. Tu seras toujours dans mon cœur." (Jean-Luc, I love you very much. You will always be in my heart).
Jean-Luc could not hold back his tears anymore. He threw his arms around Ama and hugged her tightly. "Je t'aime aussi, Ama. Je ne t'oublierai jamais." (I love you too, Ama. I will never forget you).
As they drove to the airport, Jean-Luc pressed his face against the car window, watching the familiar streets of Abidjan pass by. He felt a deep sense of loss, as if he were leaving a part of himself behind. When they arrived at the airport, Ama hugged him one last time, her tears mingling with his. She kissed his forehead and whispered, "Sois fort, mon petit. Je serai toujours avec toi." (Be strong, my little one. I will always be with you).
Jean-Luc waved goodbye to Ama as they walked through the departure gates, his heart heavy with sorrow. He did not know when, or if, he would ever see her again. But he made a promise to himself that he would never forget her, no matter where life took him.
Chapter Five: The Longing to Reconnect
As Jean-Luc grew older, he never forgot Ama. Her face would appear in his dreams, and he would wake up with a longing to see her again. He often wondered where she was, if she was okay, and if she ever thought of him.
The memories of her love and care stayed with him, standing as a constant reminder of the bond they had shared.
Life out there in France was different from life in Ivory Coast. Jean-Luc missed the warmth of the sun, the vibrant colors of the market, and the sense of community he had felt in Abidjan. But most of all, he missed Ama. He missed her smile, her laughter, and the way she made him feel loved and cherished.
As the years passed, Jean-Luc grew into a young man. He went to school, made friends, and eventually started a career. But no matter how busy his life became, he never stopped thinking about Ama. He often found himself reminiscing about their time together, the stories she had told him, and the lessons she had taught him.
One evening, as Jean-Luc sat in his apartment in Paris, he found himself flipping through an old photo album. There, among the pictures of his childhood, was a photo of him and Ama. They were standing in front of their house in Abidjan, smiling at the camera. Jean-Luc felt a lump in his throat as he stared at the photo. He realized that he had never truly thanked Ama for all she had done for him. He had never told her how much she meant to him, and how much her love had shaped the person he had become.
That night, Jean-Luc made a decision. He would go back to Ivory Coast in West Africa. He would find Ama, and he would thank her. No matter how long it would take or how difficult it would be, he owed it to her, and he owed it to himself.
Chapter Six: The Journey Back
Thirty-eight years after leaving Ivory Coast, Jean-Luc decided it was time to go back. He had to look for Ama. He had to thank her for all she had done for him. With a heart full of hope and a mind filled with memories, he boarded a plane to Abidjan, the city where he had spent some of the happiest years of his life.
The journey back to Ivory Coast was filled with a mix of emotions. Jean-Luc felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, but also a deep sense of nervousness. What if Ama was no longer there? What if she did not remember him? What if he could not find her? What if death had taken her away from this world?
As the plane touched down in Abidjan, Jean-Luc felt a surge of emotions. The city had changed so much since he had last been there. The streets were busier, the buildings taller, and the atmosphere more modern. But beneath the surface, Jean-Luc could still see glimpses of the city he had once called home.
He checked into a hotel and spent the first few days reacquainting himself with the city. He visited the old neighborhood where he and his father had lived, but the house was no longer there. In its place stood a modern apartment building. Jean-Luc felt a pang of sadness as he stood in front of the building, remembering the happy times he had spent there with Ama.
Determined not to give up, Jean-Luc began his search for Ama. He visited local markets, asking vendors if they knew her. He put up posters with her picture and his contact information. He even went to the local church, hoping that someone there might know her.
Days turned into weeks, and Jean-Luc began to feel discouraged. He had followed every lead, but none of them had panned out. Just when he was about to lose hope, he received a phone call from a woman who claimed to know Ama.
Chapter Seven: The Search Begins
The search for Ama was not easy. The city had changed so much, and many of the places he remembered were gone. But Jean-Luc was determined. He went to his old neighborhoods, asked around, and even put up posters with Ama's picture.
The woman on the phone told Jean-Luc that she had grown up in the same neighborhood as Ama and that she remembered her well. She gave him an address and told him that Ama might still be living there.
Jean-Luc's heart raced as he made his way to the address. The house was a modest one, surrounded by a small garden. He knocked on the door, his hands were trembling with fear and anticipation. After what felt like an eternity, the door opened, and there she was.
Ama looked older, her hair now turned gray, but her smile was the same. When their eyes met, it was as if no time had passed. They hugged tightly, tears streaming down their faces. In that moment, all the years of separation melted away, and they were once again the little boy and his beloved nanny.
Chapter Eight: A Heartfelt Reunion
The day Jean-Luc found Ama was one he would never forget. Ama invited Jean-Luc into her home, and they spent hours talking, catching up on all the years they had missed. Ama told Jean-Luc about her life after he had left, about the challenges she had faced, and about the family she had built. Jean-Luc listened intently, his heart swelling with love and gratitude for the woman who had once been in his world.
As they talked, Jean-Luc realized that Ama's love had never wavered. She had always thought of him, always prayed for him, and hoping that one day they would be a reunion. Jean-Luc felt a deep sense of guilt for not having tried to find her soon, but Ama reassured him that it did not matter. What mattered was that they were together now.
Chapter Nine: A Gift of Gratitude
Jean-Luc wanted to show Ama how much she meant to him. He gave her 10 million francs, a gift that would ensure she could live comfortably for the rest of her life. He also arranged a monthly allowance, so she would never have to worry about money again. But more than the money, it was the love and gratitude in his heart he wanted to convey.
Ama was very much overwhelmed by Jean-Luc's generosity. She tried to refuse the money, but Jean-Luc insisted. "Ama," he said, "you gave me so much when I was a child. You gave me love, care, and a sense of belonging. This is just a small way for me to say thank you."
Tears filled Ama's eyes as she accepted the gift. She hugged Jean-Luc tightly and whispered, "Merci, mon fils. Je t'aime." (Meaning, thank you, my son. I love you).
Chapter Ten: A New Chapter
The reunion with Ama was a new beginning for both of them. Jean-Luc visited her often, and they spent hours talking about the past and the future. Ama's love had shaped the man he had become, and he was determined to make sure she knew how much she was appreciated. The bond they forged so many years ago, was now stronger.
Jean-Luc's visits to Ivory Coast became a regular part of his life. He would fly in every few months, bringing gifts and stories from his life in France. Ama's home became a sanctuary for him, a place where he could escape the pressures of his career and reconnect with the part of himself that had been shaped by her love.
During one of his visits, Jean-Luc decided to take Ama on a trip to her hometown, a small village nestled in the lush countryside of Ivory Coast. It was a place she had often spoken about during his childhood, but he had never seen it for himself. The journey was long and bumpy, but the sight of the village made it all worthwhile.
The village was a place of breathtaking beauty, with rolling hills, vibrant green fields, and a sense of tranquility that seemed to slow time itself. Ama's face lit up as they arrived, and she began pointing out landmarks and sharing stories from her childhood. She introduced Jean-Luc to her relatives, many of whom had heard stories about the little French boy she had cared for so many years ago.
As they walked through the village, Ama took Jean-Luc to a small, weathered house where she had grown up. The walls were made of clay, and the roof was thatched with palm leaves. It was a humble home, but it was filled with memories. Ama had to show Jean-Luc the spot where she used to sit and watch the sunset, the tree where she had played with her siblings, and the well where she had fetched water every morning.
Jean-Luc listened intently, his heart swelling with emotion. He realized that this place, this village, was a part of Ama's soul, just as she was a part of his. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to see the world through her eyes, to understand the roots of the love and kindness she had always shown him.
That evening, as they sat under the stars, Ama turned to Jean-Luc and said, "Jean-Luc, tu es mon fils. Tu as toujours été mon fils." (Meaning, Jean-Luc, you are my son. You have always been my son).
Tears filled Jean-Luc's eyes as he hugged her tightly. "Et tu es ma mère, Ama. Tu seras toujours ma mère." (And you are my mother, Ama. You will always be my mother).
The trip to the village deepened their bond in ways that neither of them could have imagined. Jean-Luc began to see Ama not just as the woman who had cared for him as a child, but as a person with her own dreams, struggles, and triumphs. He learned about the sacrifices she had made to provide for her family, the challenges she had faced as a single mother, and the strength that had carried her through it all.
Inspired by her resilience, Jean-Luc decided to give back to the village that had shaped Ama. He called the villagers together, worked with local leaders to fund the construction of a small school in ensuring that children in the village would have access to education. He also helped establish a community center where women could gather, learn new skills, and support one another.
Ama was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. She had always known that Jean-Luc had a kind heart, but seeing him use his resources to make a difference in her community filled her with joy. "Tu as un cœur en or, mon fils," she told him. (You have a heart of gold, my son).
As the years passed, Jean-Luc and Ama's relationship continued and flourished. They celebrated birthdays, holidays, and milestones together, creating new memories to cherish. Jean-Luc even brought his own family to meet Ama, introducing her to his wife and children as "Grandma Ama."
For Ama, having Jean-Luc back in her life was a gift she had never expected. She often told him, "Tu m'as redonné la joie de vivre." (Meaning, you have given me back the joy of living).
And for Jean-Luc, finding Ama was a reminder of the power of love and gratitude. It was a testament to the fact that the people who shape our lives, even for a brief moment, leave an indelible mark on our souls.
In the end, their story was not just about a man finding his childhood nanny. It was about the enduring power of love, the importance of saying thank you, and the beauty of second chances.
Jean-Luc and Ama's bond was a testament to the fact that family is not always defined by blood, but by the love and care we give to one another. And in each other, they had found a love that transcended time, distance, and circumstances.
As Jean-Luc often reflected, Ama taught me that love is not something you earn or deserve. It is something you give freely, without expecting anything in return. And in giving it, you will receive more than you could ever imagine.