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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Lunch With a 92 Year Old

One day I had lunch with some old friends.  Jim, a short, balding golfer type, about 92 years old, came along with them; all in all, it was a pleasant bunch.


When the menus were presented, my friends and I ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, “A large piece of home-made apple pie, heated please.”

I wasn't sure my ears heard him right, and the others were aghast, when Jim continued, completely unabashed..."along with two large scoops of vanilla ice cream."

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time, but when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy eating mine.  I couldn't take my eyes off of Jim as I watched him savoring each bite of his pie a-la-mode.  The other guys just grinned in disbelief as they silently ate their lunches.

 
The next time I went out to eat, I called Jim and invited him to join me.  I lunched on a white meat tuna sandwich, while he ordered a chocolate parfait.  Since I was chuckling, he wanted to know if he amused me.

I answered, “Yes, you certainly do, but you also confuse me.  How come you always order such rich desserts, while I feel like I must be sensible in my food choices?”

He laughed and said “I'm tasting all that is possible for me to taste.  I try to eat the food I need and do the things I should in order to stay healthy, but life's too short, my friend.  I hate missing out on something good.  This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned)  I've never been this old before, so, while I'm still here, I've decided it's time to try all those things that, for years, I've been ignoring.”


He continued, “I haven't smelled all the flowers yet.  There are too many trout streams I haven't fished.  There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.  There are too many golf courses I haven't played.  I've not laughed at all the jokes.  I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.”


“I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.  I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.  I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the one I love the most.  I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain.  I need to feel wind on my face.  I want to be in love again.”


“So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing.  I filled my heart's desire.  I had that final piece of pie before my life expired.”


 
With that, I called the waitress over.  “I've changed my mind,” I said. “I want what he's having, only add some extra whipped cream!”


This is my gift to you…Live well, love much, and laugh often.  Be happy and enjoy doing whatever your heart desires. You only go around once on this crazy planet.
 

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like, respect, and enjoy spending time with.


Why wait until you’re 92?
Remember that while money talks…
ICE CREAM SINGS!

14 comments:

  1. Hi Cat, how nice, it would be so nice to live like this
    love Jan, xx

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    1. It would be wouldn't it, Jan. I'm trying to do a bit more of this. ;)

      Hugs and blessings...Cat

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  2. Ah.. a great reminder to make the most of our time..I am leaving for some grandma time later today...I think I will surprise 2 cuties with ice cream for breakfast tomorrow!
    hugs abby

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    1. I agree, Abby...it is a great reminder. My boys still talk about how I let them have apple pie for breakfast when they were growing up...healthier than most of the cereals. ;)

      Hugs and blessings...Cat

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  3. Awesome Cat, what a wonderful reminder. Thank you for sharing :)

    Hugs
    Roz

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    1. You're welcome, Roz...hope you both are doing better and can enjoy more things like this. ;)

      Hugs and blessings...Cat

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  4. Loved this one, Cat. Many years ago, I woke one morning on a visit to find that my son's favorite aunt had given him a whole bag of Oreos for breakfast. He says that is a memory he will always cherish. We do not need to be "sensible" 100% of the time. I certainly don't have any special memories that include salad!

    Hugs,
    Ella

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    1. Happy you enjoyed it, Ella. As I told Abby above, my boys still talk about the times I let them have apple pie for breakfast...I made it so I knew there was not a lot of sugars or additives in it. LOL I actually do have a special memory involving salad...will have to try to remember to post about it. :)

      Hugs and blessings...Cat

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  5. Oh I so love this, it is so true. Enjoy today because tomorrow is not guaranteed, what are we waiting for. So in tune with my post of today.

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    1. Happy you enjoyed it, Sunny and I totally agree with you...enjoy every minute of every day!

      Hugs and blessings...Cat

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  6. My Grandpa always said, "Eat dessert first!" Then you don't have to worry about saving room :)

    Hugs,
    Clara

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    1. I love your grandpa's philosophy, Clara! :D

      Hugs and blessings...Cat

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  7. Ice cream certainly sings, as does crème brûlée, panna cotta ...
    Harry calls the dessert the main course, what goes before is just an appetiser.
    Rosie xx

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    1. Ooh Rosie...making me hungry just reading that list and yes...they do sing! Harry does have the right idea doesn't he! ;)

      Hugs and blessings...Cat

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