Pave It Into My Future

“Here, let me do that for you,” and the short crippling lady handed over her grocery bags. Her trusting, aged, eyes smiled into mine, “Thank you Dear.”

The store was busy, and it seemed everyone was rushing more than usual. Exiting the doors two grown men nearly ran us down. Luckily, I had the wisdom to be holding onto Miss Eva’s arm as she slowly walked beside me. I knew her name because her brooch had it written beautifully into its eye catching beauty.

As the taxi pulled up beside the curb, I let go of Miss Eva’s arm to open the door for her, “you know Dear? I had to come to the store today, as my butler has the day off. He forgot to buy my kitty food last week so I was forced to go out. Back in my day, stores weren’t allowed to be open on the weekends. It just wasn’t heard of. Especially, not on Sunday. It’s the Lords day, and between you and I, my Dear, it is a day for all to reflect and be together sharing tales, getting to know each by asking questions and listening, a day of wisdom to be found in all those we love and cherish—a day of understanding and learning each others’ needs. I personally believe Sundays are days women and men can teach each other things.”

I listened to the elderly lady as she spoke. I placed her grocery bags on the floor of the backseat, and still I listened as I assisted her into the cab.

Waving good-bye and accepting her mannerly hug of thanks, I walked in the direction of my own parked vehicle, I wonder what her life is like? Does she live alone? She said she has a butler, is she wealthy? Does her family provide it for her? So many questions and a concern for my future in aging loomed largely as I drove home, Will I be all alone? Will I outlive my children, or will they forget about me, so busy with their own lives—and, I too stubborn to ask for help?

I drove past MacDonald’s and a few blocks of fast food joints. I slowed down seeing a flashing yellow light signifying it soon would turn red. Coming to a complete stop. I saw a human figure from the right side of the crossing. The person began walking with obvious difficulty, and as he struggled with the wheels of his cart I realized under the layer of scruffy looking clothes it was an old man. He was pushing a cart that looked to me as if he was carrying all his possessions—a few blankets, pillows, a tool box, a small trunk, boxes of crackers, cans of beans, and the rest I could not decipher with it being too convoluted by perhaps being shoved down in order to fit into his cart.

Struggling to keep his wheels straight in order to cross the street, he seemed tired by stopping there in the middle while holding his side and looked to be taking deep breaths, my thoughts raced, Poor guy, I should get out and help him, I should, the light is going to turn green any moment now!

A man had been standing on the next curb waiting at the bus stop. He must have seen the elderly man struggling and ran to assist. My heart, I realized was beating faster and I breathed a sigh of relief that someone reached out and helped the man crossing the street. The light turned green just as they reached the curb. Looking in my rear view mirror, Does he have family? Is he all alone? What happened to him? Certainly, he did not choose this life he leads, did he? Is this the result of a bad mistake? Is he a case of misdiagnosis? Did he throw his life away? Has he pulled out from this crazy world? How does he view things? Is this his whole reality? What if that was me? It indeed could be possible—indeed it could!

I have partied with the best. I have had fights with my family and ended many relationships. People in my life have died and others will eventually too. I have been depressed, and I have had so many joyful times. I am certain I will have more, and I am almost certain there will be tumultuous times ahead, but I hope whenever possible I can lend a hand—it doesn’t cost a thing, except maybe, hopefully whenever, if ever unfavourable circumstances happen to me, my contribution will somehow pave it into my future helping me............... Happy Sunday!!!!