There’s something about pear pie. Over the years, we made three variations for friends, family, and neighbors. Pear delivers warmth and comfort.
Something I unknowingly needed this past week.
The unfolding of life is interesting. We made this spiced pear pie and videos a couple weeks ago, then traveled to Minnesota in support of my sister-in-law who lost her daughter, Kayli, in a terrible accident almost two years ago. Tears fell in the courtroom as my sister-in-law, Kayli’s siblings, her dad, and the driver read their (victim) statements.
Two friends, families, and all who love them brought together and separated by death, vehicular manslaughter, and a lifetime of what these words bring.
We experience brushes throughout life but few hits and of a magnitude where the micro thin line comes clear.
The weight of the courtroom and loss of Kayli remained so I took time, driving into the wide open space of Wisconsin, allowing the gravity of her and them. Never will they feel her warmth or hear the rise and fall of her voice. Worse, are the memories that slip in time with her.
There are steps forward but what about the shadow. Light over the shadow’s a choice. On good days and moments life here for a day, seven years, nineteen, sixty-seven, or ninety-nine makes sense. Life “as is” and not “supposed to be” works. The present moment does wonders when sustainable, but the shadow dances back, needing to be dealt with.
What do you do when those you love hurt? When buried sparks ignite? I’m curious. I drown in lyrics and beat, drive, drink coffee, indulge, buy for myself and lots for random/specific people. I write, send cards, read, walk nature with Rainey, breathe to calm the spark, and eat more dark chocolate than one should. Nah, I eat as much chocolate as needed.
On the trip Dave suggested Paisley Park as we didn’t have time the last. YES! I was weepy, but Prince is well, Prince. And, Pear Pie is therapy. Pear Pie pictures in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Working on Pear Pie in Madison, Wisconsin coffee shops. Pear Pie videos in Cederberg, Wisconsin. Prince and pie therapy. Have you been to Wisconsin? I’ve never met finer people than there. Every which way I turned, genuine conversation with real people.
I arrived home to a bare ring finger. Where did I lose you? At the bottom of a coffee cup? On the ice cold Cederberg covered bridge? Huddled together at the beach with Rainey and Dave once back? Twenty-one years and a handful of close calls. This is the longest-closest. Things are things, but still…
I felt and saw you skate my finger, never right side up. Shoulda, coulda, woulda didn’t have you re-sized. If ever any would return my ring, it would be a Wisconsian (word?) Do they like being called Cheeseheads? I think so. I’m convinced my ring’s in our house and will show ; ) Crossing my ring finger.
The above was written before hearing the news…
I ache for but believe in Nashville-Tennessee.
We believe in you.
A community who stands strong, comes together, and helps rebuild. All the while carrying each other through with grace, heart, God, and great music.
