It was hot today. Hot and… humid. When I got home this evening my bedroom was 84 degrees… a thick 84 degrees. Some might say “sticky”… like me… I would say that, but that has nothing to do with this really. Except for the fact that I’m writing this in the shade on my front porch on a Thursday evening… and I generally don’t write these things outside… on Thursday’s. It’s a change. It’s different. It’s kinda strange. It’s also quite the challenge to see what I’m typing because the reflection of my bright ass yellow shirt makes it a bit hard to see the screen! (and no… I’m not gonna change seats… I’m comfy.)
When all this Covid stuff started, I took advantage of an opportunity to be re-deployed to The Upper Valley Haven in an extended “volunteer” type gig (King Arthur has been paying me) and for the past three and a half months… that’s where I’ve been. I’ve learned a lot here. I’ve met some pretty wonderful and giving people who’s intentions are simply to provide a helping hand up… however they can. What was a temporary position, motivated by “self-preservation” in these uncertain times, turned into an experience that educated me, fulfilled me, and provided me with the opportunity to work alongside a wonderful array of staff and volunteers within an organization who’s only intentions are to be a part of “The Good” in the world. It was a temporary position… that built a lasting relationship. I’m simply gonna miss it. On the other hand, I’m not gonna miss trying to mix a 35 pound bucket of natural peanut butter that had been sitting somewhere for months… with a home immersion blender!… that I might’ve broke… don’t tell Lori.
As I’ve recently been transitioning back to KAF, I’ve been thinking about what I would like to say to both places about my experience over the last few months. I wanna shoot a “Thank-you” email out to both places, but also realized that this experience had a significant impact on me in this “New Life”. Soooooooo….. blog.
Widowhood is much more than simply losing our spouses. It’s about waking up to a new reality every morning and sometimes not understanding it… or simply hating it… but still getting up even though you’ve only had 5 hours of sleep… three of which were on the couch! It’s about wishing they were here to get angry at you for putting their Darn Tough socks in the dryer. It’s about facing sadness… the likes of which you had never even come close to feeling. It’s about feeling lost at home, or on your road, or surrounded by friends. It’s about all sorts of loss, pain, and hardships…….. but it’s also about finding ourselves through experiences that simply make us feel… good. It’s about the excitement of unexpectedly stumbling upon things that make us feel… better. It’s about self reflection and discovering the new you, even though it’s always been and will continue to be… well… you.
Hope you have a Happy Sunday!… I’m gonna mow the yard.
Widower Notes n Thoughts:
- I’m fortunate. I was able to have a new work experience in this new life, in a fucked up time, without the stress of worrying if I made the right decision to leave my job… because I didn’t. I just got a change of scenery for a bit.
- It’s that whole loss of household income thing. Being a cook for twenty-five years while living and owning a cute ass little schoolhouse in the country kinda limits employment opportunities that would provide me with the means to hold onto what I’ve got… and what I’ve got is kind of the priority right now.
- I’m grateful. To King Arthur. To The Upper Valley Haven. To the people I have worked with side by side over the years… and for the last few months. Thank you.
- I’m ready. To keep taking steps forward in this new life with the understanding that I will need to take a few steps back… hopefully not too many, though!
I’ve attached the link to the article that Ashley wrote after we chatted about my experience at the Haven. She is just one of the amazing people that makes The Haven a wonderful place… and is a fantastic writer! I’m not sure if I copied it correctly… I’m a cook and not an IT guy… but you can check out their website, too. Heck, if you’re one of those people who has the ability to give a little… you can donate! It’ll go a long way for people in our community who simply need a little assistance… who are looking for a helping hand up.
11 thoughts on “Headin’ Back to Camelot.”
Maggie
Creativity in employment has been a godsend for a lot of people, Darren. It is good to give back and I am glad this was a positive experience for you. Kudos to everyone that helped you make it through this crazy time.
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Maggie
What a great article by Ashley, too. Nice to see you and your cheerful smile and to read how this partership resulted in so much more than could have been imagined.
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Darren Lidstrom
Fortunate… I feel very fortunate to have some wonderful people in my life!
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Pingback: A Shoutout to Fellow Blogger Darren Lidstrom – From Cave Walls
Darren Lidstrom
Oh my gosh, Maggie… you’re awesome. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for your support! It warms my innards! (even when it’s not 95 with 97% humidity!)
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lssattitudeofgratitude
It is always great to see your posts. It is thrilling that the companies have provided you with not only a job, but new experiences that use your wonderful skills. I read the article and enjoyed it.
It seems like they knew a great fit when they met you.
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Darren Lidstrom
Yes!… for one reason or another… it just jived! I’m gonna miss being a part of The Haven and seeing those people day in and day out. Luckily, I have no plans of cutting the cord… I don’t think I can… or am allowed to!
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lssattitudeofgratitude
Good for you and good for them.
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jennasnanny04
Darren, what a fabulous article and the experience and rewards are beautiful. And just as an aside, I am a HUGE King Arthur fan and only buy their flours! Had to wait about a month or so for this last order, but there’s no better flour!
Keep doing great things and continuing the growth in your new journey. Hugs…nancy
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Darren Lidstrom
Yes!… Ummm, just an FYI… after 230 years, we have just become King Arthur Baking Company… as of Monday! Same high quality products, same wonderful company… new name. And ya, sorry about the delay on the flour… I think there were a few people out there thinkin’ they needed to buy 200#’s of flour to make bread so that they would survive through The Rona… even though they’ve never made a loaf in their lives! Of course, I like to think there were just that many more people stuck at home making their kitchens/dining rooms/houses smell fantastic!
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jennasnanny04
Well, I made one loaf of bread and a couple of cakes! Lol….there ya go! But I do really like their flour. Congrats to the company on the name finally!
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