Forty years ago today, our youngest son, Christopher, was born. I remember the day, of course, with joy. Forty years, goodness. How does that time pass so fast? Now Chris and his wife, Leila, have two children, ages four and one.
Chris planned a birthday party last weekend that took place at the farm that Ashley and his brothers grew up on and now steward. The barn, newly renovated with a solid foundation, makes a lovely place to gather. And in between the torrential rains of the summer in Vermont, there were two beautiful, perfect days.
The state of the world is rough. Climate change is upon us. Politics are brutal. People are dying and suffering in wars and disasters. Nevertheless, Ashley and I are feeling so grateful these days, for family, for friends, for place, for our children and grandchildren.
Recently, I came upon this Mary Oliver prose poem that we will leave you with this August.
May you all relish the last month of summer.
by Mary Oliver
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
