Rich_by_the_Bay
Moderator Emeritus
HaHa said:
Years -- even decades -- ago I was addicted to the Hardees breakfast cinnamon raisin biscuits and would stop in almost every morning for one of those and a cup of coffee on my way to work. There was always a group of 6 or 7 old guys (70s, I'd guess). Their conversation would wax and wane, kind of curmudgeony, bitching about this, that, and everything else. Gradually they would disband til only 2 or 3 remained and then all would take off. A few were obviously physically impaired but all were actively involved in the daily discussions.
I remember being amused by them, and in hindsight I think I was a little arrogant and patronizing in my mind - these "poor old guys" with "nothing else to do but hang out at Hardees," etc.
Well, I've gotten older and maybe a little wiser. I look back now and see a bunch of retirees, taking the time and effort to reinforce their friendships daily; they would probably take a bullet for one another and that morning ritual was likely an important part of their day. Maybe some were widowed and otherwise alone. Maybe they looked at me as that pathetic guy in his fancy work clothes, rushing through breakfast so he can take his place in rush-hour traffic, no time for friends -- too busy and too self-important.
I was way off the mark at that time. In this way, I think I've changed over the years. 6 friends you see for an hour almost every day, no rush, no drama, just friends -- they got it right.
