this morning donna and i went to breakfast with a group from our water walking class. the 'burbs are a different place on weekdays when mostly the +55 crowd is out and about. twelve of us ordered anything from veggie sausage gravy (blech!), to eggs soft enough to dip toast (double blech!), to french toast and sausage (yum!!).
it was as if i had been transported into the movie, cocoon, where seniors become energetic, fun-loving, crazy companions. of course there was talk of the past, but so much more about the present and the future. someone went recently on an alaskan cruise, another is going to germany for 3 weeks, and another has started as a volunteer at a hospital. geez! these people are go-getters, including the 91 former sailor that likes to sing (and to teach me to sing) bawdy navy songs.
learning some of the group's history from members and former members made this breakfast special. although each had their own reason for joining the group initially, one common theme was clear, they stayed with the group because they have found ways to make this exercise group like family. it shows in the laughter, the stories, the jokes, and the tears. and the caring is beyond class time and breakfast outings... cards are sent, people visit sick/former members, phone calls are made. people check in with each other.
it's events like this... breakfast with buddies at a mom and pop hometown restaurant that includes on it's menu 'a decent breakfast' for $6.59... that make this guy's heart sing, this belly laugh, and his spirits lifted because he has been with family.
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