June 2, 2020. After a day of watching the feeds about the Black Lives Matter efforts and the insanity in the U.S., I went for a late-day ride to try to calm down. I was dizzy from the smell of blooming lilacs and honeysuckle, with undertones of fresh cut hay. I was aware of how lucky I was. Absolutely. I met Mary as I was rounding the corner on a particularly beautiful, pastural route.
Are you in love?
“Yes. Ah, I’m in love with my husband, Andrew.”
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
“Wow, that’s a good question. Probably my mother, I guess. I’m the youngest of nine girls, so yeah, she’s been a pretty big inspiration. She’s worked hard her whole life and made-do with less to make sure that we had everything that we needed, so yeah, she’s pretty selfless.”
How do you feel about the future?
“Ah, optimistic–cautiously optimistic I guess. Hopeful. Under the circumstances, hopeful.”