Along the Side of the Pond: Memoirs of a Belgian Contemplative

A generous part of this book introduces the reader to the Flemish family into which the author was born near Antwerp. When Robert was a toddler, his parents divorced. He provides the reader with insight into the pain and loss that it brought for his mother and for the broken family. A few years later, his mother would marry a widowed policeman, sixteen years her senior, who would become a beloved father figure for Robert. The book delves into the earlier years especially of his mother's life. Featuring large in the recalled daily conversations at home is the WWII experience of his parents. Particular attention is given as well to the place and role of the church in society and in his family's life throughout much of the twentieth century. Robert then describes the years that preceded both his mother and stepfather's death in 1989, which was the time also that he was engaged in university studies and was turning increasingly towards a life of faith in God. The author recalls his conscripted military service, his becoming present to a grace-filled realm, a subsequent trip to Lourdes, and his entry into the Augustinian religious order that had been serving his home-parish in Borsbeek. His faith journey requires him, however, to leave this order some years later in search for a deeper, more contemplative life. In the meantime, theology studies had been entered upon at Heythrop College in London. After a few years back in Belgium, Robert enters the Benedictine Abbey of Quarr on the Isle of Wight. But due to circumstances he encountered there, this also is left behind some years later. The journey leads towards Lampeter in Wales, where the author enters upon doctoral studies in theology. From there it goes towards Scotland, where he marries Karen with whom he presently lives in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae and with whom he still pursues a journey of faith, of entering into God's presence.