Two friends came for lunch today. Odd that in I met each of them individually and then discovered a few years later that they were best friends.
It was a four and half hour lunch. I love these extended meals, they are far too rare. I made my African soup which is a meal unto itself. And my home made Irish bread, ham salad, potato salad, egg salad. One of them had been on sick leave suffering from major depression but she brought her guitar with her. And said to us if there is anywhere to start playing again, it is here. And I was so touched.
What I took note of in myself, because these friends are so dear, was that I was able to talk about my losses in the present, the impact each had on my life and cry a little but not in that deep anguish of the past. We all conferred about how unprepared we were for loss. The only way to transform it is to do one good thing to compensate when the grief hits.
And K sang this:
There's such comfort in shared memories and recognizing as well that we have each other in the present and can be open and loving to each other. Like a rebirth. And talk of rainbows and kids.
My friend is a magnificent singer. Truly awesome. She sang Gordon Lightfoot's "Bitter Green", another Kristofferson and then this with her own folky heartbreak alto spin on it:
She was completely restored when she left.
As were we all.
A wonderful and restorative afternoon...Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteYou too E. It promises to be a great one.
DeleteXO
WWW
I smile and so wonderful for all of you :)
ReplyDeleteAnd now
what is African soup ?
I knew you'd ask Ernestine. I will type up the recipe and post. One of my old stalwarts.
DeleteXO
WWW
That sounds as if it were a time that all three of you needed. I'm recovering from a recent brain surgery and have been surprised to have witnessed a casual friend turning into a friend who, her husband told me, sat tensely all the day of my surgery, waiting for news, and who has since produced two lovely vegan meals when she is not vegan herself. My heart has been warmed, as I'm sure that yours was by your luncheon and afternoon with your friends. Life is good sometimes, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteSo true Linda. Oh my - brain surgery? I hope all is well now. Sounds very serious indeed!
DeleteWe are all so terribly fragile. I really saw this over the last few days, so sucking the enjoyment out of life at the moment.
XO
WWW
I can relate to the experience as I have had similar ones but you had a bonus in the guitar playing singer. I am glad that you had the occasion to share so much and come out of it pleased.
ReplyDeleteIt was stellar, Ramana, one can't plan these things, they are so randomly organic.
DeleteI'm so glad you've had them too :)
XO
WWW
Glad you had such a good time with friends. Yes, friendship is what it is all about.
ReplyDelete'Breaking bread’ with friends is almost a metaphor for happiness and contentment, healing as well, of course. What could be better than a meal, lovingly prepared and shared generously.
ReplyDeleteGetting together with friends is such a wonderful thing. Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds fantastic A very European approach to meals - unhurried and joyful.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like a long, leisurely lunch with friends. They don't happen often enough with today's hectic lifestyles. And as you say, there's a lot of comfort in shared memories.
ReplyDeleteI believe music is a great healer. At least, it has always been that way for me. Coupled, of course, with good, wholesome, food.
ReplyDelete