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Wednesday 16 January 2019

Coffee break

We hadn’t seen each other in a while so a catch-up chat over coffee was long overdue. It was a cold windy day and our old bones rebelled against the damp cold. It was comforting to have a hot cup of coffee and a chat with a friend.


We always talk about our children and grandchildren, catching up on the adventures of each child and grandchild. There is much to share as the young families are active with careers and activities. The children enrich our lives immensely and we are fortunate to live near them.


At our age, we have lots to discuss regarding our health. Arthritis, dental work, physiotherapy, digestive issues all make the agenda these days. Medical specialists, diet and exercise are discussed too. Changes in our aging bodies give us some concerns and a few laughs besides. Life at this age involves adaptation to an ever changing body. We are like teenagers in some ways!


Each of us has been married a long time, so we always share news of our spouses. We married home bodies who enjoy puttering around the house rather than socializing, which is fine with us. However, we like to be a bit more social.


Death of friends and family, as well as illness and prognosis always find their way into our conversations. Our aging friends and relatives are dealing with serious health issues or terminal diagnoses. We lose people we treasure all the time now.


The walls of this shop have heard every story, from its years as a coffee house to its days as a bank. Stories shared among friends have filled the crevices over the years and others fill the air this day.


Nearby, a group of older teens spoke about a party and their plans for the weekend. Three middle-aged sisters discussed their aging mother and how she was doing. An older couple spoke about an up-coming trip to see the grandkids living in Ontario.


On a coffee break thirty years ago, we would have included discussion about careers and vacations to far away places. Now, the careers are distant memories and those type of vacations are less important. Health issues were not a concern years ago and we had few discussions of deaths. We have been fortunate.


For now, we are able to meet and enjoy each other’s company so we planned the next coffee break before we parted. One day, others will fill that time and space and our voices will be added to the verbal archive in the walls. Meanwhile, we enjoy every minute around a good cup of coffee.



47 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

There's nothing like catching up with an old friend over coffee!

Debbie said...

ooooh this is so sweet, nothing like a cup of coffee with girlfriends!!! i enjoy ease-dropping a little, sometimes the conversation is a bit more interesting than what the hubs and i are talking about!!!

Laurel Wood said...

This was an enjoyable read. It's rare that I have free time from my caregiving responsibilities to meet up with an old girlfriend, but a real treasure when we do find the time. The same topics of conversation fill our time, also.

William Kendall said...

It is good to enjoy time with friends.

Anonymous said...

How things change when we get older! Andrea

eileeninmd said...

Hello, sounds like a wonderful meeting and catch up with your friend. There is always something to chat about. Enjoy your day and week ahead.

DJan said...

I enjoyed putting myself virtually at the next table over. :-)

Elephant's Child said...

Love the idea of a verbal archive. If those walls could talk...
And a big hooray for being able to catch up with friends.

Tabor said...

If walls could talk indeed. We all change our interests, our concerns and our energies. I am more the putter at home type, while hubby makes up errands to run if the day is too dull.

Bill said...

A special friend is always a joy to catch up with. Conversations over coffee, sounds like a great book title. :)

Jenn said...

Time well spent!

Barbara said...

Sweet, sweet story and one I can relate to. Love your post as usual.

The Happy Whisk said...

Hey Marie. That was really well written and I loved reading it. I could see everything and feel what you were saying. Well done, you. Thank you for sharing.

Lowcarb team member said...

I did enjoy this post.
Such a nice meeting and catch up with your friend … pleased you've arranged another date :)

All the best Jan

Joanne Noragon said...

No friend like an old friend.

Tomoko said...

The old friends we have made will be the treasure all our life.
Have a good day.

Ginnie Hart said...

What a beautiful telling of a meet-up, Marie, with someone who clearly "gets it" all. We need those friends in our lives. Astrid and I live in a senior community where we see/hear "all the above," including wondering who will be next to leave this place. It could be us, of course, but we never know from one day to the next. It behooves us to live the day we have in front of us, with gratitude in our hearts, doing what we can. Thank you for this sweet and believable "state of affairs" in our aging process.

Anvilcloud said...

Quite an insightful and poignant post.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

You have a wonderful way with words Marie.. you should consider writing a book, put me on the list for a first copy 💙

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

Ah, a coffee break with an old friend … nothing much tops that.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

You write so beautifully and poignantly Marie, I could imagine myself sitting in the chair with you! I love how you share your life experiences with beautifully painted word pictures. I enjoy your writing, you have a gift :) Blessings and hugs to you!

Marie Smith said...

It is the best, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

The conversations around us were reflections of stages in our lives, Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

We have so much in common wherever we live, LW.

Marie Smith said...

It is the best, William.

Marie Smith said...

They sure do, Andrea.

Marie Smith said...

Those chats are energizing to me, Eileen.

Marie Smith said...

I wish I had known you were there, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

A big hooray indeed, EC.

Marie Smith said...

My husband shops more than I do Tabor, but I am the more social one.

Marie Smith said...

Conversations over coffee would be a great book title, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

Indeed, Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Barbara.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, HW. Glad you came along with us.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks for dropping by, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

So true, Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

Friends are precious for sure, Tomoko.

Marie Smith said...

I love your attitude, Ginnie. Live every day with gratitude and joy. It could be the last.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, AC.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Grace. I haven’t made much headway with the book.

Marie Smith said...

So true, Ginnie.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Marilyn. Glad you came along with us.

jenny_o said...

So well-described, Marie - and I love the characterization as verbal archives, and the thought that all the conversations through the years are still lingering, and will continue to do so. It's a poignant thought.

Marie Smith said...

That you Jenny.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I like blue jays. Can't sing worth a damn but so attractive!

Marie Smith said...

They mimic other birds though. Smart critters too, Debra.

baili said...

A very touching but really beautiful writeup dear friend!

yes with the time our topics change with our thoughts and concerns er cup of

and this is human nature that HE SHARES his life and heart with his family and friends

yes walls hear all and keep them as secret

i am glad you enjoyed your day with friend over coffee

more blessings to you !