Precious memories

The three of us sat slumped on our respective couch or chair. Each of us sported a kitty friend. Jim, not being a cat person really, turned his kitty over to me. We talked over old times and shared music stories.

Periodically the phone would ring. Jim put his glasses on to see who was calling. Then he would pass the phone to Bruce or let it ring, depending. Then Bruce became keeper of the phone. When it rang, he would put on his glasses to see who was calling.

A nice teacher from Margaret Wills came by to bring dinner. She sat and visited for a bit. Very nice, polite woman. She complimented me on my soft hands.

Before Bruce decided to get up and move to the recliner, Jim made sure Bruce took his meds. Jim allows Bruce to say no. Maybe it is a man thing.

I hope to spend more afternoons with them. The love is palpable.

Tanya blew in carrying groceries and cleaning and bringing April and Rudy for a visit. Tanya did not look well. I worry about her. She possesses great strength and she pushes on, but I am afraid she will shatter before long. Yet steel magnolia aptly describes her.

Moments like yesterday afternoon become priceless treasures. When we are younger, we enmesh ourselves in the immediate. Much like a pinball, we go from one point to another with no time between.

Now we savor slow, relaxing afternoons with friends who shared the years with us. The love and familiarity surround us with comfort. Even after years apart, old friends slip on again like a pair of well-worn jeans. No pretenses, no facades, warts and all.

That indefinable knowing strikes with some the first time you speak. Somewhere in the core of you, something awakens. An alarm goes off even though consciously nothing resounds.

Other times a different alarm goes off. This one clammers with shrill insistence. Run, run, run!! We need to heed this one, but sometimes it falls on deaf ears. Life lessons learned.

Anyone who makes you smile deserves your heart. You made me smile inside and out.

Later.