Wednesday, July 13, 2011

When the universe hands you ...

lemon, you make lemonade.  When the universe hands you a weed... (or 2, or 3)....

you make a bouquet!




I found these "weeds" chopped down at the side of the road. I could not just walk away and leave them to die. So I picked them up, brought them home and put them in a vase on my back deck.

On another note:
I was sitting in a Tim Horton's coffee shop a few days ago, sipping a hot cup of coffee. Looking out the window, I noticed a taxicab pulling up to the curb. Two elderly people got out. The woman was using a cane. Her husband a walker. The driver carefully handed the man his walker and made sure they both were steady on their feet before driving off.
Hmm, I thought. Imagine taking a taxi to a Tim Horton's coffee shop. Well, why not? They must have given up driving for health reasons, and now just call a cab when they need to get around. I watched them slowly make their way towards the door of the coffee shop. They were nicely dressed and obviously looking forward to their "outing."

It's encouraging to see elderly couples out and about enjoying themselves. No matter what is going on in their personal lives, they manage to get out and live a bit. I like that. But  last year I did not feel that way. Last year after hubby died I could not stand to see happy couples, especially happy older ones.  I was jealous. After all, why do they still have each other when my husband is gone? Thankfully, that stage did not last long. And now when I look at elderly couples I  know they feel lucky to be together. So many of their friends are not.

The gentleman opened the door for his lady love and they entered the coffee shop. I gave them a big huge smile, they just looked so darn cute. I couldn't help it. The man gave me a half smile, then looked at me more closely. He was probably wondering who the heck I was. (do I know her? I could hear him thinking)
 Feeling a little embarrassed, I blurted out. "You look so cute. You're wearing blue and she's wearing pink."
I guess he was more on the ball than I gave him credit for. Without missing a beat he replied, " Well I guess then I'm a boy and she's a girl."
We both laughed and as they turned away I heard the dear woman say to her husband "What did she say?"
Guess she had trouble hearing and missed the whole thing.

16 comments:

joanne said...

who would chop those beauties down and then leave them there? I'd have grabbed them too.

Sweet story, I'm so glad you can see them and smile. I can't imagine how difficult the past year has been and it just didn't cross my mind at how hard it would be to see happy couples every where. It's all a process I suppose, your strength and courage to push on are an inspiration to me. take care dear one...

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Wendy, That little couple reminds me of what Mom and Dad Adams looked like a year or so ago. They are hubby George's parents and I have blogged about them. Remember? Dad is now almost 99 and sharp as a tack. Mom turned 91 in May. They were as close as two little old people could be. Everyone loved them --and they always held hands. Well--not sure you heard, but Mom died on June 6... We visited Dad (at his daughter's home) today --and he is doing okay, but is so lonely for the love of his life. They had been married for 70 years!!!!!

Glad you are doing better.
Hugs,
Betsy

JeanMac said...

Aw - too sweet. I confess to twinges of jealousy yet.

mxtodis123 said...

Those 'weeds' are lovely. What a sweet older couple. I, too, love seeing older couples getting out and around. The couple who lives upstairs from me were always out and about. I admired them so.
Mary

Natalie said...

Aww.... That is a beautiful story. I like your 'weeds' too.xx

Maggie May said...

That was a lovely post and good for them getting out and about. Good for you rescuing the flowers.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Rose said...

Turning weeds into a bouquet--I love it!

I always love the little vignettes you write, Wendy. You were very clever to come up with a reason why you were watching them, and the gentleman's response was cute. It's nice that they do get out and go places, even if it means getting a taxi. My dad complains sometimes that they're "on the go" too much, but I'm glad they're active and not just sitting around at home (they're both in their 80's).

Have a good week!

Cheryl said...

Hi Wendy,

The wildflowers are pretty. Tku for picking them up and giving them a chance to shine.

Such a lovely story. It is wonderful to see elderly couples still caring for each other and taking time for outings, despite ill health etc.
I can understand you feeling jealous. I am sure that is a normal reaction. They say there are seven stages to grief, perhaps that is one of them. Like all things, it will pass.....

I hope that you are finding 'the way' and that life is treating you kindly....

Cheryl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Q said...

Dear Wendy,
I have bouquets of Queen Ann's Lace all over my house...I guess one girl's weeds are another girl's delights.
Sweet story of the older couple. I would think the two of them are enjoying their lives. It is the simple things that mean so much. I too would miss my mate....thank you for your honesty, being jealous seems so natural. I would be very lonely....
Hugs,
Sherry

Grammy said...

Hi Wendy, I love to see elderly couples like that. And Your weed collection is beautiful. I use to let the blue ones grow in my garden at my old home. And really enjoy the free flowers. :) Have a wonderful week. Love and light sent your way. E

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

What a lovely bouquet. Wild flowers are just as lovely as any. And the way you write about your experience with the couple is endearing too.

Grayquill said...

I wacked some weeds down for a vase in our kitchen Friday - they look pretty good - not as good as yours though.
I really like your thoughts on seeing the old couple. I do have one question...I thought the name was Horton's Donuts? :O
Were you really just having coffee? :)

Shammickite said...

I love your story about the elderly couple going to Timmy's. I agree with them, if you can't drive there or walk there or ride a bike there, then take a taxi, Timmy's is worth it!

Hilary said...

Not everyone sees the beauty in "weeds" or in the elderly. Thankfully, you do. And you share. Thanks very much for that.

Naturegirl said...

Wendy such a romatic story..yes at it's best!