A Summer of Goodbyes
We first met Jill Hope and Islay and Iona one morning five years ago when it was just Samwise and me. They were among the few regulars who walked around Thorne Pond in the days before it became more popular. Islay and Iona were hardy chocolate labs and good playmates for Samwise. They raced and romped, wrestled, and jostled. Jill was distinctive because of her warmth and that lovely Scottish accent. Soon after, Emily came along, and then we met Jeremy and Jasmine, Jill's husband and daughter.
The friendship grew organically.
Before long, Jill and I were baking for each other. She delivered sourdough before it became a "thing." I delivered muffins. When either of us had extra produce, that was passed on as well.
We rooted for them when Iona tore ligaments in one knee, needing surgery, and then the other. They became great touchstones for us when Emily tore up one of her knees last July. Many a day, I spent hours on the phone with them, seeking guidance.
I re…
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