I am back in my home state of Alaska, where the fervency of green and endless summer light is creating a minor solstice mania. My rhubarb grew five feet in my absence, and it took three days to mow the deep, thick lawn. I go to bed too late and wake up too early. Everything seems possible and remains half-finished. The suitcases are still not unpacked, but I weeded the perennials! My daughter begged to do a lemonade stand and kids came over to play and there was a sweet gangly baby moose at the bottom of the yard. As it turns out, these things matter more than to-do lists.
Lovely writing Mercedes, and I get a glimpse of who your Dad was in your telling. This moment in particular struck me: "there’s a subtle diffusion of my parents in everything. Love and grief are like that: the dead rise in us again and again." Yes.
Welcome home. Great read. I saw The Dead in Vermont when I was 15. I love the imagery of Jerry in the van with a big hole in it!
Thanks! We should catch up soon! Hope summer is going well:)
Lovely writing Mercedes, and I get a glimpse of who your Dad was in your telling. This moment in particular struck me: "there’s a subtle diffusion of my parents in everything. Love and grief are like that: the dead rise in us again and again." Yes.
Oh, thank you so much Annelies. Xoxo.
Glad you're home Mercedes. As usual, a great article. Enjoy the rest of the summer with M & E!
Thank you so much, Nita! I always appreciate you reading these! Hope you guys have a great summer!