What follows are few pie stories I’d like to share from the last month…
Early in August I made a pie for a woman named Pam who owns two golden retrievers named Milo and Chester. Often I will see Pam when I am out for my morning walk and for a few minutes I get to be loved and snuggled by her furry companions. Recently Pam told me that she would soon be moving to the coast and I asked if I could make her a pie before she left. She readily agreed and when I asked where she lived, Pam pointed to an alley and said she lived “at the second house in.”
It never occurred to me to ask for her address… or what her house looked like. So about a week later when I made the pie for Pam and set out to deliver it I found myself knocking on door after door trying to locate her. Finally I knocked on a door and a man answered. “Does Pam live here?” I asked, and he said, “I’ll be Pam if I get to keep the pie!” We laughed and then he said, “Pam lives next door.” At last I’d found Pam and her husband, Mike, at home and they were tickled. It just so happens that the next day was Mike’s birthday! It had all worked out perfectly. However, instead of just expecting to find my next pie recipient, I might just ask for their address and phone number just in case!
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Sadly during this month I have also made pies for two people facing terminal illnesses way too young. My heart breaks for my friends and their families and yet I am also deeply moved by their courage in facing death. They are using the time that they have left to be with those that they love most. Spending time together and sharing their stories and getting ready for goodbye. They’ve been dealt a hand that no one would want, and yet, they are living out their final days with grace and love.
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Finally, last weekend I made a pie with my old friend Lauretta and her husband, Uwe. They had come to Oregon to see the solar eclipse and then afterwards came to visit me. After a relaxing weekend of visiting, on Sunday morning Lauretta and I gathered ingredients to make a pie. As I nibbled on a piece of cold Calzone, Lauretta noticed and immediately we both began singing a few lines from a Christine Lavin tune “Cold pizza for Breakfast.” It was so awesome to find ourselves on the same wavelength after so many years! Later, we sent this photo to Christine and told her that we’d been thinking of her!
Lauretta and me with her Strawberry Rhubarb pie.
Lauretta and Uwe with “Wilbur” their pop top camper.
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What ties all these disparate stories together? I’m not really sure. Maybe it’s just about me trying to make sense of this crazy life… and also trying to trust the universe and absolutely loving it when things work out. Sending love from me to you.
“Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith.” Margaret Shepard
Pie a Day Give Away 