Mr. Privet and I
stole a few days away
from our busy lives
this week and headed
off to a pleasant
desert town that barely
hints at the changing season.
My family has been
visiting this place for
years to recharge and
play and just....be.
My parents were our
generous hosts and
we enjoyed hiking
and dining and shopping
and spending time
together and apart.
Maybe it's because
we are all growing older,
but several conversations
turned to actuarial tables
and life expectancy......
Which got me to thinking
how in one decade ~
the blink of an eye ~
I will go from a
noise-filled home
where you are
always running out
of milk
and sometimes,
patience....
To an AARP card
arriving in the mailbox ~
Just me
a husband
a dog
no noise.
The thing that
scares me about
growing older
isn't aches and pains
gray hair
wrinkles
extra pounds....
It isn't
forgetfulness
hearing loss
reading glasses
It's the
grouchiness
impatience
self-centeredness
and judgement
that I've seen
in some older people
who, all grown up,
are neither having
fun nor are particularly
fun to be around.
The first time we
came here, with
our kids {and without
their grandparents}
we were shocked at
the hostile way in
which were treated.
If they break anything,
you pay for it. {In
a gift shop.}
I'm trying to take
a nap! {Yelled from a
biddy whose cabana
was near the only pool
where children were
allowed to swim at
this hotel.}
I remember when
children ate at home
and parents went to
restaurants alone.
You'd think we were
at a really exclusive
place when that last
comment was said
loudly ~ for our benefit.
We were at I-Hop.
Our kids, ages seven
and three and a half then,
while not perfect angels,
were never out of control
or crazy in public. These
bitter old folks had
managed to make what
should have been a
cheerful meal something
we wanted to rush through
so we could leave.
And then they came along.
A couple in their 80's.
We braced ourselves
for more lethal comments.
Instead, their friendly
faces smiled as they asked
us if we were enjoying
our breakfast....And where
could they find shoes
like my sons in their
size?!
My little guy had the
shoes that light up
when you walk, and
they had noticed
them when we
strolled in.
Suddenly, we felt
welcome. And warm.
And special.
I have never forgotten
the way that couple
made us feel. I remember
thinking I want to be like
you when I grow up!
Today I'd like to dedicate
my Friday Flowers to this
lovely couple and to all
the others like them in this
world, who take the time
to share a kind word....and
who haven't forgotten what
it's like to either BE a child
or to have one.
Too many people grow up.
That's the real trouble with the world,
too many people grow up. They
forget. They don't remember what
it's like to be 12 years old. They
patronize, they treat children as
inferiors. Well, I won't do that.
~ Walt Disney
xx
Suzanne
PS: I'm linking up with Laura and
Melissa for Friday Flowers....Be sure
to pop over and say hello!
[images: All Google images
except 9, 12-14 flickr {click for attribution}
and flowers from Privet and Holly]
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