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Like Family
I just returned from my yearly summer trip back to the boonies of Northern New York State, where I grew up. Unlike last year, I did not run over a porcupine. But like last year, I spent a fair amount of time visiting friends and family—and friends who are like family. One thing that I must always do if I am in the area is see the Fay family. Linda Fay was my mother’s best friend. Before I go and after I get back, I excitedly tell people about seeing Linda and I describe her by saying, “she’s like a second mother to me.” My mother was an amazing person who died too soon, nearly 25 years ago. When I spend time with Linda, we laugh and share stories, something that I know she and my mother did all the time. Maybe I’m feeling sappy (there are a lot of maple trees up there, after all) but I tell Linda as often as I can how much I appreciate her. She was there for my mom and is here for me. I am amazed by how she and my mother’s other dear friends have kept my mom’s memory alive even after all these years. I am truly grateful for this. On this trip, Linda told me something I had never heard before—how she and my mom volunteered to work at the concession stands during my brother’s high school hockey games. Not knowing either of them, I can understand how you may not be as amused thinking about the Lucy and Ethel stylings of Linda and my mom (whose name was Lynda with a “y”) serving up sodas, hot dogs, French fries, and candy at the ice rink. “We even made funnel cakes!” Linda said, laughing, “It’s amazing we didn’t set the whole place on fire! Can you imagine?!!” I’ve been back in Baltimore for a week but I am still laughing as if this memory were my own because, yes, I can imagine it.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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