I decided, on impulse, to go to the Hometown Farmers Market for a short time, Wednesday, May 20, to “feel” the atmosphere there. It was warm and friendly. People were laughing and talking together, as if they weren’t all wearing masks and weren’t afraid of each other.

I realized after being with my family of vendors and friends that I have there, that the love that we’ve had between each of us for so long is more solid than ever and so great that nothing can tear us apart. Nothing!

Love is the most prized, valuable, priceless part of life that people can create between each other willingly, even though it is so hard to find, so we think, and yet, if we look carefully around us, we’re literally tripping over it many times a day, waiting for us to pay attention and notice it. Love comes at you in many forms. Hold it close, wrap it around you, be grateful for it, always, and then give it away to someone who needs it and it will come back to you, every time, bigger and better than ever before.

I dedicate this to my friend, Donald R. Serfass, who inspired me to write. Thank you, Donald, this is my first. Ta da!

Jean Lazarus

Ashfield