Last weekend Molly and I picked berries. A visit from a friend was just what I needed. The sun was warm and the berries were terrific, but the company was best. It's pretty perfect that a friend like Molly is just a small journey away from here. She's the kind of friend who's just the right sort of company in times like these. Or any time, really.
There was some confusion as to what we were picking. You see, we arrived too late. Greysmarsh Farm had just closed! But we were lucky and able to stay because of a kind man who allowed us in after hours. It was great to have the place to ourselves. We talked about so many things, soaked in the sunshine and picked and pondered what exactly we were filling our bowls with. At some points we were certain they were blackberries and at others equally certain they were not. I think they were loganberries. Or maybe blackberries. I sort of like that we weren't ever sure. Whatever they were, they were delicious.
There's so much I could say about friendship and hard times, laughter and listening, loneliness and relief but none of the words would be adequate. And lately any words at all are difficult to come by. These days there are mostly feelings, feelings of all kinds. The full spectrum of emotion can roll through me in a week, sometimes in a day. Good company is like a pause button on that ebb and flow. A happy pause, and a welcome one. It's not that I mind this welling up of feeling, these difficult days. The loneliness. The bittersweet. It's just that it's hard. Really hard. A reprieve from the pain of growing is important, much needed, and wonderful. So thanks, friend.
We ate the last of the berries not too long ago. I'll walk back to Greysmarsh this week for more and be sure to inquire about them. I just have to remember to go when they're open for once. I'll keep you posted.
xxoo, s
p.s. Thanks to you, dear friends, who sent well wishes and kindness with Molly. You were all in my thoughts that day. And today. xo