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Wednesday 6 June 2018

Seniors’ day

They sat nearby at a table for two. The elderly couple was older than my husband and I though it is hard to tell these days. They looked more feeble though, he more so than she.


The woman ordered for both of them, checking with him that she had the order correct. They chatted briefly as they waited but often sat silently looking around the room, drinking water or lost in thought. They looked comfortable together, a comfort that comes with years working side by side as on a farm and raising a family. Talk was unnecessary.


She took a bottle of pills from her purse, unscrewed the cap and gave him one before their meal arrived. He consumed it without a word as she spoke of some health issue and upcoming family event they planned to attend. He listened intently as she spoke softly while he drank some water. They were in sync, having aged together, married young and lived a full life.


Their meal arrived and they shared their food though neither ate very much. What they did eat, they ate slowly, appearing to enjoy the time together, the food and the setting. She took home what was left, enough for another meal.


It was seniors’s day at the restaurant, less 15% to those over 65. My husband mentioned the offer at the register as we left. 


“But you’re not seniors surely,” said the cashier.


“Indeed we are,” replied my husband. 


In more ways than one I thought and smiled.


42 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

Seniors discounts are quite nice. I wish dentists would do them too. :)

DJan said...

Such a wonderful feeling in this post, Marie. I can see that couple in my mind's eye, thanks to your description. Seniors come in all sizes and shapes, don't we? :-)

Tabor said...

They NEVER say you look like a senior...
I loved that description of the couple who have such a gently rhythm at the last act of their life.

Joanne Noragon said...

There certainly are a lot of us left.

William Kendall said...

Quite eloquent!

Mage said...

Hugs.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Beautifully written Marie, as for senior discounts, there has to be some benefit from growing old đŸ˜€

Elephant's Child said...

That peace and comfort together undoubtedly took work. And has paid dividends.

Celia said...

Sweet to couples like that. Our grocery gives 5% discount to seniors and they always give it to me without asking, but I knew that day was coming ha ha ha.

Cathy said...

Thursday is pension day here - you can never get a seat in a cafe on 'discount day'!
Oh yes I agree on the being in syc, marrying young ageing together plus no need to say much to each other (at times)

Not only do you take good photos Marie you write well also - maybe you should do a Words for Wednesday post
Cathy

Anonymous said...

How beautifully told. Thanks for sharing.
There are many senior discounts out there. We simply have to ask. Nothing asked - nothing gained. Bess from Mass

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I got my first seniors discount at a buffet restaurant when I was 40. Having grey hair is usually the only qualification you need, according to young people who staff the till. Hell, I didn't correct them. I'll take the discount if they want to give it to me, lol!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

That's a beautifully written piece. I never think of myself as getting older, in my mind I'm still about 25! I had a nasty shock on the bus the other day as the driver waited for me to sit down before driving off!

Anonymous said...

You are a very gifted writer. A tender picture you have created in my mind.

Marie Smith said...

I know. The really costly items don’t have discounts. Thank heavens for insurance.

Marie Smith said...

We are an amazing bunch really Jan.

Marie Smith said...

I’ve seen them say it to other couples as well. I find life has a rhythm at this stage.

Marie Smith said...

There really are lots of us and many live well into the nineties!

Marie Smith said...

Thank you William.

Marie Smith said...

Same to you Mage.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you PDP. I’d take a few years younger without a discount!

Marie Smith said...

It sure has by the look of it EC.

Marie Smith said...

Take it proudly Celia. We worked for it that’s for sure!

Marie Smith said...

I have to be inspired to write Cathy. I could never do Words for Wednesday.

Marie Smith said...

My FIL always asked for a discount and was rarely turned down Bess.

Marie Smith said...

Lol. I can’t blame you Debra.

Marie Smith said...

John, most times I feel younger too except when my hip acts up, or my knee, or...

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Mildred!

Jenn said...

It is always interesting watching older couples in restaurants, compared to younger couples. LOL they aren't on their cell phones constantly.

Marie Smith said...

True for most for sure Jenn.

Debbie said...

i enjoyed this!! the hubs and i one day, if we are as lucky as they are!! you wrote this beautifully!!

Angela said...

Around here they would say:"It sure beats the alternative."

Rhodesia said...

Great post and I love the comment at the end. I remember one day when I had just turned 50 flying to the UK. I had bought my mother a fluffy toy (she had a big collection) and the guy at immigration said oh is that for your grandchild! If any guy could have dropped dead with a look it would have been him. Thinking back of course at 50 I could well have had grandchildren, but the comment did not go down well with me at the time :-) Keep well Diane

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Beautifully shared Marie! I could picture the couple in the setting, one I've seen myself many times in a restaurant, how wonderful that you and your husband are blessed with good health! Hugs!

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Debbie. I wish every couple could be like that pair!

Marie Smith said...

It sure does Angela.

Marie Smith said...

I was offered a senior’s discount by a teenager when I was just fifty. It didn’t go over well either.

Marie Smith said...

We have been blessed Marilyn.

Catarina said...

A moving description of what you saw.

Barbara said...

A very sweet story. That is the part of never remarrying (or staying married) I regret. One day when I am really old, who will be sitting across from me in comfortable silence.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

I imagine many of us will be alone in the end Barbara. I’ve thought of that too. I try to enjoy what I have now.