Have you noticed that as you age your views on life's pleasures are often altered? What might have once been mundane now becomes a joy?
On yesterday's visit to my father's home we had an adventure. My Dad was feeling at his best, the sun was shining, and I was feeling strong. In other words the moons were all lined up and so I ask Dad if he would like to go outside for a walk. His eyes sparkled and he was quick to agree. Mom was certain he would become ill from the cold. (it was 68 sunny degrees!) I assured her it felt warmer outside then it did in their house. So off we went with Mom joining us for a bit and agreeing that it was indeed lovely. Eventually she went back home to open windows! There is a grocery store down the street and across, and looking at it I thought it would be easy to wheel over there. I ask Dad if he would like to look around in the store and he told me he hadn't been there for two years, since his stroke. I slipped him a twenty, told him no grown man should shop without his own money, and in we went. How delightful. Up and down the aisles we went. Stopping and talking to people, poking in the shelves, Dad exclaiming about price increases and telling me how nice it was just to be there. Eventually he decided he needed to buy some cider and doughnuts and some bananas for his cereal. He carried his purchases on his lap and we steered off to the checkout lane. Flirting with the young, pretty, cashier, he paid for his items, took the cider on his lap, and we hung the bag with the other things on the back of his chair. Saying goodbye we headed back out into the sunshine and home. A neighbor saw us passing and came out for a nice chat and then we continued down the street with Dad noticing any and all changes in the neighborhood. Arriving home he declared it was time for the cider and doughnuts and so I set out his treat and enjoyed watching he and Mom talk about his adventure and enjoy the food. What would have been a chore years ago, a trip to the store, had turned into a delight. Time changes everything and sometimes it opens our eyes.
