I recently returned from a short trip to Chelan, where I spent time with some dear friends. I had planned this trip so long ago, imagining we’d be skiing and snow-shoeing. However, the weather was mild, if not warm, with an occasional pick up in the wind to remind us that it really still is winter.
I took the Amtrak Bus from Seattle to Wenatchee and Leslie picked me up from there. I knew there was only a dusting of snow in the mountains and that warm weather was predicted, but still, hopeless snow-optimist that I am, I carried my skis and poles with me alongside my luggage stuffed with ski boots and winter wear. I lost count of how many people asked me, in either a curious or derisive manner:
“So where do you plan on skiing?”
“Where’s the snow?”
“Do you know somethin’ I don’t?”
“Your kidding, right?”
“Nice skis!”
There was no skiing, but it was an important visit. I was there for my friends who have experienced great losses within the past three weeks. I was simply there, to fill in the cracks, to provide support, to be a friend, to offer yoga to ease away some of the anxiety and pain that comes with loss of loved ones. One day I cooked and cooked and filled their home with smells of Sicily, hoping to provide some of the emotional nourishment home-cooked foods can impart!
