My favorite curmudgeon invited me to dinner tonight. Our usual Friday night date, Houlihans. We departed from our customary orders for the entree but stuck with our normal libations: A six-ounce Merlot for me, Stella Artois for him He drinks two Stellas and finishes my wine. Usually, he orders scallops and I get salmon. Tonight we lived dangerously: He got a petite fillet, and I opted for Thai chicken.
We spent a pleasant few minutes reviewing some proofs that had been sent for his review by the best photographer in the bi-state area, admiring the various poses and the smiling faces in the grouping. Choice noted and reply e-mail transmitted, we settled in for a good long chat, about Joanna whose birthday is Sunday and how much we miss her; about children, and parents, life and death. We spent a few minutes in silence, the peace of affection between us. He understands much, does my favorite curmudgeon; and I understand so little, that just being with him comforts me.
We threw all caution to the wind and ordered chocolate mousse for dessert — with whipped cream and raspberries; one order, two spoons. We ate it with uninhibited gusto. I let him have two of the three raspberries on top. We left not a drop of the delicious treat. Our eyes lit as we regarded the empty dish with glee.
Neither of us can stay out late. We exchanged a kiss in the parking lot, promised to see each other again, soon; and I waited until he made his slow but noble way to the car. When he was seated, and I saw the brake lights shining, I continued down the lane to my own vehicle. I sat for just a moment, not moving, not even turning the ignition. I remembered another person whom I loved, who also had lung cancer, who also continued laughing and loving as long as she could. My last dessert with my mother was a shared orange freeze from Steak n Shake. I let her have the cherry on top.
After a few minutes, I started the car and journeyed home. Now I sit, watching the light dim around me, thinking about curmudgeons, and feeling very blessed.
Beautiful share!
Lovely! And a great photo.
Thank you both!