And I love her

June 22, 2025

Sometimes we must be apart to see how much we appreciate being together.

Does that make sense?

Give me a minute. Joyce and I have been together for thirty years, since she invited me down to Martha’s Vineyard for “a weekend” which began in 1995 and is still going strong. We’ve been married since 1998; you can verify the date on her license plate. We’ve endured retirement, health scares, vacations and recoveries, children and grands. And we’re still very much together.

Except this weekend we’re not.

For the second time this month one of my daughters urged me to come to Maine. Joyce and I (and Shealyn) enjoyed several days with Jill and Curt in early June. When Amy requested a similar visit now, in late June, how could I turn her down? So here I am.

This time I am the sole male with nine (yes, 9!) women. Amy and her daughter Molly hatched a plan for seven of Molly’s nearest and dearest to fly from LA to Portland. I was the Uber driver to transport them to Somesville and around town. And to provide a second adult to a cluster of seventeen-year-old girls. So here I am.

Except Joyce is on the Vineyard, gardening, churching, socializing, and walking Kutter. I miss her not being here to lend a hand, a word, or a pat on the back. Amy and Molly are doing a super job keeping everything above water. I’m happy to help, so I’m filling in as needed. And so far, everyone is having a good time. (I have the main house to myself; everyone else is out on Sheep island. It’s an amicable arrangement.)

Long story short(er) – I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, but I do miss my Joycie.!

Tom Dresser