When planning this year’s European tour, with two days off before the Paris suburb show, I thought I’d book band and crew time off in a lovely walled town in the French countryside just an hour and a half south of Paris: Provins, France. Unfortunately, I never got to see the town because my 9-day battle with high fever (103°, 104°, 104.7°F) needed to end. Thankfully, Hospital Léon Binet was just nine minutes from the hotel.
The emergency room doctor ran a thorough plethora of tests, diagnosed me with pneumonia, and admitted me into the hospital above for just “one or two days.” I’d never before had pneumonia, but I recall nursing Dave back to health after he’d contracted pneumonia during a Japanese tour. That had been his first bout with pneumonia, and I clearly remember him repeating that he felt like he was dying. I now know intimately why he felt that way. Pneumonia truly sucks.
Once admitted into my hospital room, I noticed the lovely view, which I counted on to lift my spirits each day. Outside my left window, just beyond the hospital grounds, I could see rolling countryside dotted with lush, wooded forest areas. My right window view featured a gem of a church–looked like a papal palace–just beyond a small patch of woods.
My roommate was a sweet little old lady (I’ll refer to her as “SLOL” from here on) who spoke not a word of English. I responded to the few phrases I recognized: “Fatigue?” (Tired?) Me: “Oui.” (Yes.) Every morning, and throughout the day, she would check with me: “Ça va?” (Are you OK?) To which I’d answer: “Oui, merci,” or “Ça va bien.” I only found out later that she has cancer and was there in pain, but she barely let on and continued her daily concern for me. She was a charmer, chatting up everyone who entered our hospital room, whether doctor, nurses, cleaning staff, or maintenance crew. And she let everyone (from staff to her visiting family) know that I was “américain.” SLOL put on a brave, friendly face each day that I was there–even to her husband, her daughter, and I presume it was her brother, all of whom visited daily and made a point to greet me, as well.
Unfortunately, the tour had to move on, so it was with many tears that Dave left me as he went to carry on with the shows. Of course, as the boss–the manager and the booking agent who had created the tour–I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Thankfully, Dave and I share the same work ethic. Anyone else would’ve likely thrown a tantrum, being left alone in a foreign hospital, but I have a business to run and fans very much looking forward to the shows. On with the show…
Some of you may have read my Facebook post about spending my birthday all alone in a French hospital. The nurses were so cute, and paraded into my room that morning singing “happy birthday” in English. It was a great start to a lonely day. Then SLOL’s daughter brought me an array of gorgeous desserts. Unfortunately, I still had little appetite, so I gave them to the nurses. John & Janine had a beautiful flower bouquet delivered to the hospital. The nurses apologized when they could only find a watering can to display the flowers. How French-country perfect was that?
Lovely birthday bouquet from John & Janine that the nurses displayed in a watering can.
There was only one nurse who spoke English well enough. The others marveled at my use of Google Translate, and they each soon downloaded the app to their phones. It was our savior!
I giggled every time I’d hear the nurses in the hallway speaking rudimentary English to each other. “Hello, how are you?” “Good morning!” “Breakfast.” “Hello. My name is ____. I am from France.” These are phrases they all learned in school at age 10, but when you don’t consistently use a language (and they never had the need in Provins), you lose it.
One nurse tricked another by instructing her to tell me “happy meal” instead of “bon appétit” when she delivered my lunch. She was so embarrassed when I explained that that’s a McDonald’s meal.
Patricia, the nurse who spoke the most English, told me that brie cheese (one of my faves!) is from Provins. So after my second breakfast of baguette with butter and jam, I asked a different nurse if I could have some brie, to which she replied, “cheese?” From that day on, that nurse made sure I had cheese at breakfast. I could hear her every morning in the hallway instructing the staff, as I recognized “l’Américain” and “fromage.” These nurses were truly wonderful.
Bowl of tea, anyone? My first morning waking up in a French hospital, I was a bit miffed when they delivered a bowl of tea with my breakfast. I had to immediately look this up online, as it’s not something we see in the States. And I’ll be damned, it’s a French thing! And what a brilliant idea. We use mugs for our morning tea/coffee/hot chocolate. They go bigger! Apparently, only for breakfast, though, then it’s back to cups the rest of the day. I just may be integrating this into my life when I get home. A bowl of chai in the morning seems way more appealing to me than a mere cup. 😉
Mmm, fresh baguette. Every meal in this French hospital included fresh baguette. This gave me great joy! l always remember how much Phil loved fresh bread–it was one of his most favorite things; so I couldn’t help but think of him when I saw that hunk of fresh baguette at each meal. This’ll sound strange, but most of the food at this hospital was quite tasty, although, I had little appetite. They served loads of fresh, well-seasoned vegetables and juicy, ripe fruits. Cheese and baguette and juicy pear = pure heaven to me. Awesome. Now if only I could’ve enjoyed some great French wine with it.
Which toilet? They had a busy morning regimen at the hospital. And I quickly learned that toilet has more than one meaning. My first morning (after my first-ever “bowl” of tea), when the nurses came in to change the sheets, they held out a fresh hospital gown stacked with some other fabrics and asked, “toilet?” I wondered, did they want me to go into the toilet to wait until the linens on my bed had been changed? I immediately Googled it and after perusing several sites, I learned that “toilet” can also mean outfit or getting cleaned/groomed.
I love my Android and T-Mobile. I could so easily look up everything on my phone with decent speeds. Thank goodness for T-Mobile’s awesome unlimited international data plan. If I was with any of the other US carriers, my phone bill would’ve been higher than my mortgage payment. T-MO rules. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, change carriers now and thank me later.
My “one to two days” in hospital turned into six. And so six days later, I was finally released from hospital on Tuesday evening. SLOL asked when I would “sortie?” (exit.). I didn’t have to answer, as her husband responded, “Ce soir.” (Tonight.). She looked at me at mock-cried. When I finally did depart, she blew me about a million kisses. What a sweet, sweet lady.
A heartfelt thanks to the doctors and many nurses (Patricia, in particular, who comforted me with her excellent English) at Hospital Léon Binet in Provins, France. They got me on my feet again with enough strength (barely) to rejoin Dave and the boys on tour. Nothing felt better than being reunited with my husband.
And another massive thanks to my dear friend who trekked over from the UK to collect me from hospital and return me to the tour, which had just arrived in the UK.
It’s been a very difficult European tour this year, with Leonard passing just as we arrived in Europe to begin the tour, Tom passing near the end of the tour, and me being hospitalized with pneumonia in the middle. But the shows and the fans have been great, turning out in full force. My boys, of course, have been giving their all onstage every night, as always. Thank you to the fans for your support, and for keeping the band lifted during this emotional rollercoaster.
Unfortunately, pneumonia has a bitch of a long recovery time, so I’ll continue to rest in each hotel and skip the shows, unless and until I happen to feel well enough or have enough strength to venture out. It’s killing me to be resting and not working, and it pains me to burden Dave with the added tasks of my daily workload as manager, tour manager, and booking agent. But I know that rest is the answer. I’ll be good, as I have no desire to land back in hospital, thank you very much. This was my first experience with pneumonia and my first-ever hospital stay. I could happily live without ever having to repeat either again.
baguette, bowl of tea, brie, France, hospital, Hospital Léon Binet, Provins
Hi Jill, So glad that you are on the mend. I’m sure Dave is relieved that you are getting well. Take it easy and know that my thoughts of good health and strength are coming to you daily. xx
Thanks, Colleen, much appreciated. Trust me, I aim to continue resting…I’ve no desire to return to hospital!
Rest up! You need and deserve it! Diane and I will see you and the band when you come to Derry, NH (the new Tupelo Music Hall) next year – if all plans out, it will be the week before our wedding! 🙂
Get better soon my friend!
Thank you, Dave. 🙂
Glad to hear you’re feeling better Jill, I’m sure it was a strain on the tour for the guys also.Dave was worried sick about you I’m sure. When you get back to the US go see your Dr. and make sure you get a flu shot and ask for a pneumonia shot. I think they’ll give you one. Take care,-Kevin-👍
Thanks, Kevin, will do. I get a flu shot every year before we leave for the European tour; of course, it can’t possibly cover every strain. Guess now that I’m getting older I should ask about the pneumonia shot. I never want to experience this again. I still have a long way to go, but at least I felt a marked difference today.
So sorry you were sick Jill I had no idea! I’m glad you are feeling better! I miss seeing you & Dave I will get to a show soon.
Thanks, Jimmy. Would be great to see you at a show. It’s been years!
Putting myself and wife in this situation, I am just laughing (at myself). I’m sure DAVE is UP on all the idiosyncrasies of life in a foreign country, and of course looking everything up. Ha ha. Thank god for women!
🙂
Loved your blog and wish you well on your road to recovery. Thankfully you got some good care there!
Happy Halloween! Time for a baguette and some Brie!🎃
Thanks, Andrea. 🙂
Jill
So glad to hear you are now on the mend. Looking forward to seeing the guys on Saturday in Nottingham with my son. I have lost count how many times I have seen them but will never forget them playing on the first monsters of rock cruise leaving the Bahamas and it starting to rain. They never missed a beat despite the weather. Rest up and get well soon.
Thank you, Keith. I’ll be very sad to miss Nottingham this year. 🙁
Great to hear that you got paroled! I’m sure ‘the boys’, without supervision, didn’t get up to too much mischief. Glad you’re okay Jill x
Thanks, Colin. Thankfully, they’re good lads. 🙂
Great to hear that you are on the mend. After all the recent events I really appreciate that the show this week in Glasgow is still happening. I think most bands would’ve cancelled and headed home by now. Thanks for the amazing effort from you and all connected with Y&T !!
Thanks, Peter. These lads live to play those two hours on stage for you all each night. On with the show…
Jill, I’m so glad you are feeling better. Rest is the key to complete recovery. I had pneumonia about 4 years ago and was down for the count for about 6 weeks. The illness certainly takes it’s toll, and with your schedule, you do have to fit in time to ‘just be.’ A belated “Happy Birthday” to you, and hopefully you were able to snag a nice bottle of French wine so you and Dave can celebrate kicking pneumonia’s ass, as well as your day. Take it easy and REST!
Thanks, Lisa. Band business is never-ending, but I’m being good and minimizing my work so that I can rest.
Jill,
I hope you re gain your strength each day, what an incredible trying time
for you and the band. So glad to hear your starting to feel a little better.
Life sure can be tough at times, I only wish for things to get better for the Y&T camp each day going forward. I have always admired the Y&T organization the fighting spirit within, God Bless your safe return, and look forward to see your smiling face again in better times ! God Bless you all…GSM
Thanks, Greg.
Glad to hear your on the mend Jill. Bought groove house at robin 2 BILSTON on sat. Was hoping for a signing but always next year. As ever it was the gig of the year for me. Y&t never fail my mate got Dave to sign the book and even managed to get one of mikes sticks when he lobbed them out at the end so for a guy who loves drums it was me get a special.Even had a special t.shirt done up it me!our of thunder foot HAZE. Another legend taken too too soon. RIP big guy. Aaron is a great addition to the band also obviously tinged with a little sadness for brad as always enjoyed watching him so hope he sorts it all out but have to say never seen a bad y&t line up they truly rock out every time. Take care and look forward to BILSTON 2017.
Thanks, Rob. Please bring the book next year and I promise I’ll sign it. Meanwhile, happy reading! 🙂
Hi Jill,
Hope you got the envelope I gave to your Merch guy for you on Saturday night. Also hope some of the nostalgia contained within raised a smile. Great show as always by the guys, we thoroughly enjoyed it. So happy you have at least started on the slow road back to normality. We did miss you and we really hope both of us will see you next year.
Love
Al & Val
I did receive it, thank you. The articles were great fun to revisit! I’m sorry to hear about Val, though. Please give her my best. Glad Bilston was a great show. Hope to see you both there next year.
Thinking of you chum on ur recovery we arrived today to Glasgow to have a facemelting time with Dave and the guys tomorrow sending u continued good vibes on ur recovery rest up and take it easy it’s on with the show as we say here miss you I’ll give everyone a facemelting hug for you whilst here chat soon xx❤️✌️😉
Thanks, Andrew.
Hi Jill,
I was so happy to hear that you were out of the hospital. Just wanted you to know that i have been sending my healing thoughts and prayers your way. Sure hope that I get to see you and Dave soon. Most importantly take care of yourself.
Love you,
Jackie
Thanks so much, Jackie. Will do. We miss you!
I am so glad that you got quality care and that you are on the mend. See you in a few weeks. Hugs!
Thanks, Tara. See you at the Mystic Theatre. 🙂
I don’t doubt that your positive outlook and overall good nature was welcoming to those around you during your stay. Good to see it was reciprocated with kindness and great care. Knowing that must have allowed Dave to relax knowing you were in good hands.
Glad you’re on the mend.
See you in February as we are not able to make it down this month.
Aw, thanks, Eric. We’ll miss you at Mystic Theatre weekend.