Paulette was the widow of Gabriel Lapeyrusse, the Mayor of Nerac and head of the Maquis, who also kept Gen Yeager safe after he was shot down during World War II.
She had at first refused to see us. She was worried we’d be bringing in the cameras and film crew and she wasn’t looking her best. Her son assured us it was just General Yeager and I. She still hesitated. She still wasn’t looking her best – and Chuck Yeager was one of her young woman crushes.
Our last evening in the area, we got the call from her son: Paulette will see us. WITHOUT cameras or anyone else – just us!
So we told our film crew to go ahead and eat without us and took off. Gen Yeager wasn’t so sure about this – didn’t know what we would find at the hospital. He’s seen too much, been to too many as well as to too many funerals. But I assured him we wouldn’t be there too long but it would mean so much to her and to me.
We were meeting her son at her house for him to lead us to the hospital. He is a very lively, gracious fellow. His wife is also kind and fun.
I seem to always remember where that house is even this time in the dark night. I don’t know why but it made a big impression on me when we went 2 years ago. A large square stone house with ivy – classic. It had a trap door to the ceiling – very hard to see.
Although many did, General Yeager himself never hid out there – it was too entrapping – no way out a back door or opening if the Germans searched.
Paulette’s son and daughter-in-law were there and led us to the hospital. We went up the stairs and walked miles – like most hospitals – good for exercise I guess – and came to Paulette’s room.
She was nervous. Gen Yeager lit up when he saw her. She was beautiful, frail, small but beautiful. And in the dim evening hospital light, she emanated a beautiful brilliant light. She beamed. I don’t think a smile was ever broader or more sincere.
I was introduced. Gen Yeager said hello. We chatted a bit. And then Gen Yeager exclaimed: You are beautiful!
She knew he was saying something nice but she didn’t speak English so I translated.
And added: And you know it must be true because he is saying it in front of his wife!
We all laughed.
Me: And he’s right!
Paulette was so delighted to see “Charlie” – and to see him as handsome and kind as she had remembered. And telling her he still remembered and saw her as beautiful and lovely.
We talked a bit about 1956 when she met Gen Yeager – he had returned to Nerac while in France to say hello to Gabriel and Mme Stravorsky, both instrumental in saving his life. (Read Yeager or visit www.chuckyeager.com for details)
Paulette was Gabriel’s third wife. Unfortunately, Gabriel died in a car accident in Eastern France in his early 60’s, in the early 1960’s. Paulette never remarried.
We asked her about some of the Maquis. There was a question about Dr. Henri’s stomping grounds. She confirmed what we thought was true. He did go as far as Cours les Bains.
Some, who weren’t really friends with Dr. Henri said: Oh no, he didn’t go that far. But my thought was: a smart underground person, to avoid capture, and a sting, would not tell anyone where he went so how could anyone of the naysayers be so confident of their information.
I trusted Paulette’s information though because Dr. Henri was good friends with her husband, visited often after the war, and talked about it.
Paulette’s son had tears in his eyes – what lovely memories. When I couldn’t quite arrive at translating well, he helped me. Otherwise, this normally chatty fellow stayed in the background while we felt blessed to be witnessing these two old friends say hello.
After a little more time, we didn’t want to wear out Paulette, we bid our goodbyes. Gen Yeager gave her a bise (a kiss on the cheek) and left. It was my turn. We hugged – best we could with her IV. And gave each other a bise. We talked some more, hugged again. And left.
Words can’t describe the feelings, the meeting, the energy really. We all walked on air out of the hospital.
Today we just learned that Paulette Lapeyrusse died recently. I can’t express how grateful I am that we got to visit with her in the hospital. I still see her as we did: surrounded by and emanating pure brilliant light.
c. GCYI