Compare and Contrast (GM)

It was my day off and I was having a late lunch at a fast food place, sitting in a booth in the middle of the restaurant. Behind my back were three... Gloom and Doomers? Escapees from Lake Woebegone? Park-bench-warmers? Three older folks anyway, the type who hash out a subject until all the marrow is sucked out of it, then move on to the next bit of bad news.

In front of me (I'm no dummy), a family of three. Mom, junior in his stroller and a sweet girl of about seven. Short brown hair, beautiful clear skin, big brown eyes. Mom was mostly busy with junior and the little sweetie was exploring her new surroundings. Curious and happy, looking under the tables,walking up and down the aisles, just having fun!

The contrast really hit me. Mom was in her twenties, junior maybe two, the girl (who did give me a lovely smile, *sigh!*) seven-ish as I mentioned. The three behind me were all at least in their sixties, maybe more. The family was vibrant and full of life, the trio in back were staring into past more than anything. And I suddenly realized how lucky I am, we all are, all us GLers.

Being connected to the young keeps us young! I have my "old" days like any one else, sure. But I've always been a playful guy, never more so then when I'm trying to get a smile out of a girl. Keep yer Gloom and Doom. gadzooks! And forsooth even!

Every time a little girl smiles at me another year falls away, until I am young again and ready to play!

:)

Wheeeeeeeeee!