Dr. Romain Ollivier gives his presentation "Prevalence and predictors of renal artery stenosis in coronary artery disease patients" at the 2007 European Society of Cardiology gathering.
Why are we proud?
We are very proud to learn that Romain, our summer visitor from France for three consecutive years, has already started making his mark in medicine.
Romain's father Jean-Michel, also a cancer specialist in Caan, France, sent me this photo overnight. I have not heard from the Olliviers for a few years until a brief email sent by Jean-Michel yesterday.
We consider Romain a member of "Family Love," as the Olliviers like to call us. Our association with Romain began back in the early '90s, when my teaching colleague Judy Hunt, a French instructor, asked if we'd be interested in hosting one of three brothers who would be spending a month in Sandpoint. It didn't take much thought before I happily agreed. Romain's brothers, Thibault and Timothee stayed with the Coburns and Deanes, respectively.
From the minute we met him, we all loved Romain. Each of us enjoyed a unique relationship with him. He loved sitting up half the night watching TV; he loved going to the refrigerator with Annie to snack on Schwan's personal pizzas, and he especially loved Twinkies. He could beat any of us at tennis and golf. He loved to hike, and he made lots of friends during his stays in Sandpoint.
Romain also loved all our animals and was always happy to do his chores, which included feeding the pigs at the time.
One summer was not enough. He returned over the next two years. I recall vividly each time holding back tears every time we had to take him to the airport to fly back to France.
That first summer we met all of his family who were vacationing in the West. His father is a doctor and his mother Catherine is a pharmacist in Caen.
Our experience with Romain was nothing short of wonderful. Years have passed, but not our love for this phenomenal young Frenchman. The last time I talked to him over the phone was when Willie and Debbie were getting married in 2001. He tried to come to the wedding, but it just didn't work out. That day he promised me that when the first grandchild came, he would be here.
Well, I'm wondering if those two Border Collie pups of Willie and Debbie's will count. Dr. Romain, if you read this, please know we would love to see you any time.
In the meantime, we're very proud of you and your achievements.
Much Love,
Family Love
No comments:
Post a Comment