As I walk out the large barn door, I step into the darkness.
After a few steps I turn and look back at the scene I had just left.
Everyone is standing in the brightly lit barn, there are hugs being given and goodbyes being said.
Several weeks earlier the cry went out, “Dennis is coming back to Maine for a visit, who wants to get together one evening with him”.
My immediate response is yes! I always enjoy visiting with Dennis when he makes it back.
Although the main focus of the gathering was his return, a real side benefit is the chance to get together with classmates you don’t see all year or even for years.
You may not be close friends with them. You may not socialize with them throughout the year , but on occasions like this it's nice to talk and catch up.
“Hey look that’s Jon,” I exclaimed as Jon walked across the lawn and into the barn.
“I didn’t know he was coming up from Connecticut !” I said leaning back in my chair.
I had arrived a little early in case Mary needed help setting up, but of course it was all done.
She and Molly were chatting, waiting for folks to arrive as I walked in.
It’s interesting to watch the dynamics of the group as we slowly gathered.
Quick hello’s , followed by short periods of awkwardness as we all get into our rhythm.
Soon the barn was full of conversations and laughter as people talked in pairs, groups and at times, all together.
There is a never-ending supply of things to talk about and the conversations never dragged.
The chatting and mingling continued on for several hours as everyone tried to touch base with all that were there.
Unfortunately, it's time to go, life, family and maybe, just maybe, a touch of old age closes things down.
Yes, as I look back into the Barn from the darkness, I am so glad we have Denise and Mary in our lives to make sure we get the chance to get together from time to time.
From the darkness I say to no one listening.
“This was good. Very good!”
Thank you Mary Howes and Denise Castonguay.
Until we do it again !
