My first trip to western France was many years ago, and, while I knew it had made an impact on me, I didn’t know just how much until years later. One seemingly small decision ended up altering the course of my life and introducing me not only to a new part of France, but also to someone who would teach me some valuable life lessons, lessons that I strive to incorporate into my daily life and work. During my study abroad in Paris in 1990, I immersed myself in French language and culture, and I found myself feeling oddly at home there, more at home than I had anywhere up…