By small and simple things

are great things brought to pass.

Last night, we met an old man we will name, Erwin. Mr. Erwin looked about 95 years old. I am talking to Eric about something completely pointless when I notice he is looking over my shoulder. This is actually not typical, so I follow his gaze to the only other person in the Wendy's diner, i.e. Mr. Erwin.

I noticed Mr. Erwin when we first walked in and did the girly "aw look at that cute old man," but I kinda forgot about him. Any way, I look over and we wonder if he needs some assistance. Creepy stalkers that we are, we watch him toss his sauce packets into his walker pockets. Eric then proceeds to get up and ask Mr. Erwin if he needs assistance. Mr. Erwin: "Yes, actually, it might be better that I don't drop the tray on the floor." Eric then holds the door and Mr. Erwin looks back at me and smiles this big adorable smile. "You got a good one here ya know." Yes, Mr. Erwin, I do know. I grab the first door while Eric holds the second. Eric makes some silly comment that he got a good one too and he smiles and says "I can see that."

Holding the chili cup while Mr. Erwin gets in his car, Eric stands patiently. Then puts his walker wheels down in the back seat. Thanks again young man, said Mr. Erwin. *hand wave*

Mr. Erwin was married, or had a love once, perhaps who left him there to live life at Wendys on a Tuesday night by himself. We feel bad for the appearance of his loneliness, but ya know, he loved, he smiled, and he was still happy. Would I yell at him if he was slowing me down on the way to work (or as we know it, going any where), yes most likely. But as a person, I could picture sitting on the porch with some hot chocolate listening to his jokes and stories. I bet he had lots to tell.

We finally made it to a Wendys. I finally got my small frosty and he finally got his large. Who knows, give me 70 years...

Who really understands time any way. The flesh wears. Time doesn't matter. But the soul, that carries heart, determination, joy & laughter to the eternities. Honey, earth may spot our flesh, but we do not have to perish in the bars of time, only exhaust all reasons to keep living and I bet even when we think it's over, it'll just begin again.

- me