One of the hardest challenges I have yet to meet is when I make my annual return to one of my favorite summertime activities, visiting the fruit and veggie stand in Milton.
There is no sign outside but I believe it is called "Brittingham's", an well established Sussex County family name.
I love fresh vegetables and fruit, especially their peaches and corn!
For the last few years one of the employees, "Tara",
 |
| "Tara" |
always paid special attention to Bill. Of course he was always embarrassed but I believe he appreciated the attention.
Bill always told me he didn't want the attention but hey, don't we all like to receive special attention?
When I took our daily rides, at least once a week when the peaches and corn were in season (peaches first), I would tease Bill by saying we're going to see your "girlfriend." He would say "Oh no!" but I think he liked the attention. Besides, he didn't have much choice because he always rode shotgun with me (oh how I miss him riding shotgun these days).
 |
| Tara visiting with Bill |
Tara knew Bill didn't have long to live. Each year when we made our fist stop for peaches she look for Bill. Tara was so kind to do that. If someone else waited on us, she would often interrupt them to see Bill. The last two years, when Bill's health went perceptibly downhill (she could tell by the change in his appearance), she was probably surprised to see Bill make it to another season.
 |
| Tara with Bill on his 95th birthday last September 25, 2023, the last time she and Bill would see each other. |
Last year in October when we made our last stop at Brittingham's I had the feeling it would be his last visit. I think the ladies there also felt that it was also Bill's last visit.
The video above is of them singing "Happy Birthday" to Bill on his September 25th birthday last year. Bill was so embarrassed but I think he secretly appreciated their kind gesture.
Now here's the hard part. I haven't visited them yet this year. I'm not sure when they're opening but I suspect it is the next week or so. I've had enlargements printed of the pictures posted on this blog. I am going to present the framed pictures to Tara when I visit. Does anything think I'll be able to do this without getting all choked up and God forbid, crying? I don't think so. This is going to be hard folks. I've been dreading it.
