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:
There's nothing like catching up with an old friend over coffee!
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!!!
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.
It is good to enjoy time with friends.
How things change when we get older! Andrea
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.
I enjoyed putting myself virtually at the next table over. :-)
Love the idea of a verbal archive. If those walls could talk...
And a big hooray for being able to catch up with friends.
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.
A special friend is always a joy to catch up with. Conversations over coffee, sounds like a great book title. :)
Time well spent!
Sweet, sweet story and one I can relate to. Love your post as usual.
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.
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
No friend like an old friend.
The old friends we have made will be the treasure all our life.
Have a good day.
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.
Quite an insightful and poignant post.
You have a wonderful way with words Marie.. you should consider writing a book, put me on the list for a first copy 💙
Ah, a coffee break with an old friend … nothing much tops that.
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!
It is the best, Debra.
The conversations around us were reflections of stages in our lives, Debbie.
We have so much in common wherever we live, LW.
It is the best, William.
They sure do, Andrea.
Those chats are energizing to me, Eileen.
I wish I had known you were there, Jan.
A big hooray indeed, EC.
My husband shops more than I do Tabor, but I am the more social one.
Conversations over coffee would be a great book title, Bill.
Indeed, Jenn.
Thank you, Barbara.
Thank you, HW. Glad you came along with us.
Thanks for dropping by, Jan.
So true, Joanne.
Friends are precious for sure, Tomoko.
I love your attitude, Ginnie. Live every day with gratitude and joy. It could be the last.
Thank you, AC.
Thank you, Grace. I haven’t made much headway with the book.
So true, Ginnie.
Thank you, Marilyn. Glad you came along with us.
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.
That you Jenny.
I like blue jays. Can't sing worth a damn but so attractive!
They mimic other birds though. Smart critters too, Debra.
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 !
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