Do I tell this one?
I was in Costco today. Nope, not a fingerpuppet story. I saw someone familiar and it took me a moment to place her–it had been awhile–but then I told her, “Oh–HI! You’re from the Red Cross!”
She was clueless. I identified myself as the wife of…, one of their longtime volunteers.
She was speechless. She looked at me, stepping back ever so slightly to check me out top to bottom, foot to head. (While I mentally raced to think when the last time we’d seen each other had been–ah yes that would explain it.)
“You look WELL!”
I was standing up. That’s the first thing that had thrown her. I wasn’t in a wheelchair. I wasn’t dead yet. Well yes, given how I was that last time, I see where you’re coming from but honey, the times, they are a-changin’. I mean that. Don’t make me go back there, I’m done with all that.
“You look, !!!, WONDERFUL!”
“Why, thank you!” (And since you are yea verily a little old lady I will refrain from saying the same thing back at you in quite the same way. Volunteering clearly is good for all that ages.)
It was good to see her; I waved hi over at her husband patiently waiting for her to finish up. I told her our son and his wife were expecting our first grandchild, and she was thrilled for us. I know she can’t wait to congratulate Richard at the next Red Cross event. Really really congratulate him.
I guess if I had to make people hold their breath for so long I have to put up with the outcome of being well now, huh? I think I can handle it.