I decided to go to the beach for a quick dip, even though I don’t like going alone. I don’t mind going to the beach alone but I really don’t have enough confidence to bi in the water all by myself. But hubby was busy supervising the mobile mechanic who had come to our home to work on the jeep. I had been sitting at my computer all day and my head was full and fuddled and I needed some therapy.
I met these two elderly ladies getting ready to go in for their evening soak. The conversation which started with one of them asking me where the road I had just came down lead to ended almost two hours later. And by that time I was as wrinkled as my two old friends.
We covered every topic – from politics to rude Bank Tellers (who seem to forget that times have changed and they are no longer the prestigious bunch). We talked about hurricane Ivan and what went on in the aftermath and racism and all kinds of issues – current and none current – until we got to that three letter S-e-x word. And I must add how thrilled was to learn it is still very possible even in your seventies and eighties! Even people my own youth close up on this very normal, relevant and healthy-to-talk-about topic. These ladies were so open, so full of life and vigour and the stories. I can imagine sitting on their verandas with them, having tea and listening to their stories about life; where it took them, their experiences. I can imagine it and it filled me with longing and regret. It brings to mind a certain dwelling place called ‘ Castle Aven’ fenced by concrete walls and a gate as tall am I am, which shouts KEEPP OUT! I wonder what they will think if I tell them this place belongs to my own flesh and blood ! They are the kind of people who cannot imagine wanting to keep their grand children away. And I wonder if I will see them again. Perhaps I can adopt one or both of them.
Before we parted, one of them came up to me dripping and cold and very wrinkled. ‘I love you,’ she said and hugged and kissed me. This total stranger, who up till two hours ago had never even known I existed. The other one, not wanting to feel left out, followed suit. Blessed.
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