NL sadness over loss of a friendly merchant

A very special Belgian couple will be missing from our area this spring. Philippe and Francoise Adcock were the face of Jacques Fresh Fruits & Vegetables in New London for 30 years. Their store was old fashioned and quaint - the type of small business that is largely disappearing from our country.

Working side by side with his childhood sweetheart, Philippe always had a smile on his face. He greeted his customers like old friends.

Every spring I looked forward to seeing my friends when they opened before Easter. Philippe would point out the most "outstanding" fruit. He always went out of his way to help me, whether it was carrying bags of fruit to my car, or calling Paris for me when my daughter lost a package and I needed an interpreter to speak with the lost and found.

Sadly, Philippe passed away suddenly this March at the young age of 57.

Francoise is selling her house and moving back to Belgium. I am heartbroken for her and sorry to lose my two friends. Spring is here and the flowers are blooming. But for me, some of the joy has gone out of the season.

Will it ever really feel like spring again?