The Sweet Joy of Saskatoon Berry Picking

Saskatoon berries were abundant this year—more than I ever remember seeing around here. Or perhaps, after all these years, I finally took notice.

I don’t recall ever picking these delightful little berries myself, though I have fond memories of my mom heading out to gather them when I was a child. The desire to join her never really passed on to me…until now.

This summer, I began noticing them in the bushes around our property, along the roadside, and on the path where we walk our dogs each day. I found myself plucking a handful here and there, surprised by their sweetness.

I thought of my father-in-law, who came each year to pick Saskatoons while my mother-in-law baked pies and froze the rest. Even when the freezer was full, he would keep picking, simply because they were there. I didn’t understand it at the time.

Now I do. He came from a generation where nothing came as easily as it does today, where food was gathered, not ordered. But I think it was more than that. It was the precious time spent outdoors with the love of his life, talking, laughing, and gathering these small, purple gems. Later, they would become a pie or crisp, shared with family after a meal, a quiet act of love.

I experienced a little of that myself this summer with my grandchildren. We picked until we had enough for a berry crisp, their small hands eager and their eyes shining. And as we baked together, I realized the true beauty wasn’t just in the berries, it was in the togetherness.

Simple moments. Sweet berries. Love in action.

Thank you for being here, it truly means so much. As always, I invite you to share in the comments below.

With love,

Loralie