Two on a Bench

After a very hard day of being around a bunch of clowns, I was tired. Tired of being funny, tired of learning new things, tired of meeting new people. I came home to a houseful of teenagers. Boy and girls. Some I knew, some I didn't. I gave all the boys the third degree. Who are you, how do you know my daughter. I felt right at ease looking them in the eye, and giving them my "I see everything" look. I just came from clown camp, I could see these things.

My daughter wanted to know when I was leaving again. Again? I just got home. Ok, ok, I'll disappear for awhile, after I announced to the group that I didn't want any illegal activity going on while I was gone.

I headed over to the mall and sat on a bench and watched people go by. Normal people. No one with clown makeup or funny shoes, although the styles coming out in the fall aren't far from this look. A nice little old lady with ice cream in her hand headed towards the bench "Please," I said. "Join me". The next hour rushed by as we shared a bit about ourselves.

Gerry, with her husband, who was a colonel in the army traveled all over the world. He served two stints in Vietnam. She told me stories of how she worked with the wounded soldiers, holding their hands and wiping their brows. She now volunteers her time sending care packages overseas. Her husband died a few years ago, and she wants to honor him and continue caring for our heroes overseas.

I told her I was a volunteer for hospice, and some of my stories. I told her about losing my mom this past year, and how I was able to be there when she died. Our stories overlapped in our caring for others. At one point, I looked at her and said. "Just look at us, two people worn out from a days work, sitting on this bench. I think two angels just met."

I hope I run in to her again. She really was an angel.