I'd planned to write about weekend baking in this post, but this afternoon we learned that the mother of a good friend had passed away in a car accident. I never knew her, but her son is one of Zach's best friends since childhood, who actually introduced Zach and I. A degree removed from the grief, I worry about Zach and his friend, and try to be there in as many was as possible. Is one always inept in times like these? Several states away, I am wondering how to make up for the fact that I cannot reach out with a hug in person. Or rather, I am wondering how to send that message long-distance. How do you send your love and care long distance? You probably can't, properly. Still, I want to send something. Phone calls, cards, letters, and flowers we will send, of course, but I'm wondering - what else is appropriate to send? At a time like this, it's almost impossible to think of food. Yet still, if I was there in person, I would try, however ineptly, to fill the role I've seen my mother carry out so many times - fixing tea, coaxing nourishment somehow. Here, there's nothing I can do, it seems. How small, we are.
May comfort come to those who suffer.