Mrs. Pat comes to visit

Being friends with people who are different than you includes age. I haven’t had a lot of friends in what I think of as the older ladies group. The actual age range shifts with my own age. I have long thought that I didn’t have anything to give of value in a friendship to this group. I have wisdom for my younger friends and I might even relate on some levels with common interests. As I gain life experience, I realize that what I have to give all people is love and friendship. Here’s a story about my friend, Mrs. Pat. I call her Mrs. Pat, because I was raised in the South and calling someone with Mrs. or Mr. in front of their name when they are at a certain age is a sign of respect. It’s kind of like thanking a soldier.

I met Mrs. Pat years ago at Harvest Baptist Church In Harvest, Alabama. We sang in the choir together for a while. I think we talked over the years and she became an angel on earth to me. Mr. Jimmy was such a kind spirit. I imagine them as prince and princess. We miss him here on earth. Mrs. Pat and I kept in touch through Facebook. In a conversation in comments she said she would love to talk on the phone with me. Back to what I can give in a friendship. It is my ears to hear and listen and my heart to engage. All I have to do is call and say,”Hi, Mrs. Pat.” and the heaven sent wholly natural conversation between us starts.

“Come for a visit, Mrs. Pat.” and the plans clicked in motion. In a flash, she was at my front door with her carryon suitcase as beautiful as ever. Drew took her suitcase to the guest bedroom and placed it on the luggage rack for her and went back to creating the next scene in his latest online game. Drew is a game creator. That is the extent of my commentary on his creation. You’ll have to ask him to share the details.

Mrs. Pat and I moved to the sitting room with a sweet tea in hand. She is mindful of drinking tea, because of her kidney function. She has an amazing medical story. She overcame cancer twice. We sit down across from one another and ease into a comfortable conversation. Her southern voice carries a tune straight from heaven to my ears. She tells me about her trip and I tell her about the baby shower I organized for my coworker, Minal. Oh, the joy of a simple conversation. This world is too busy and disconnected.

We sat like that for an hour until it was time to prepare dinner. I am mindful that she needs foods that truly serve her body. I’ll not be the person who serves her fried food, but maybe just a small double fudge brownie from Craft Cafe. I like to have special treats from my favorite restaurant in Saint Petersburg for my guests. Dinner was a light minestrone soup with bread from HaleLife bakery.

After dinner was cleaned up, Mrs. Pat regaled me with stories of her early marriage. Even though life seems like it was simple in those days, people are much the same if you look at the individuals. Outliers are normal in any group. It is always interesting to hear about the moments in regular life for a young adult in the early 60’s.

When you go outside in the world right now, not in stories or buildings, but just outside on the sidewalk. I wonder how much is so different. I tell you a chain link fenced front yard is not as common today. People have taken to organized recreation and parks today. Organized chaos is what I call it. Neighborhoods and sitting on the front porch for a conversation is a thing of the past. I’d like to get back to that. Impromptu conversation with your neighbor is just good for community.

After a few days of visiting, tours, and enjoying the warm sun on our faces, it was time for Mrs. Pat to make her journey back to her home in the sweet town of Harvest, Alabama. We embraced with promises to keep in touch and I knew I was changed for the better after our visit.