Zinfandel

Sweetie and I went to breakfast with this morning with some new, but quickly becoming close, friends.
As we were deciding what we wanted to eat, Sweetie began to give a brief rundown of how he/we got from thinking he had some memory issues to the diagnosis of ALZ. He paused for a moment, trying to remember something, without thinking I jumped right in to finish the story. I didn't mean to talk over him, but that's exactly what I did.

When our friends got up to order, I apologized to Sweetie and asked him to please stop me - in a nice way -  if I do it again.

S: What's a nice way? Shut the f*#!k up?
M. I was thinking of a kinder, gentler way. We need a code word. Looking up I noticed a sign advertising a special on white zinfandel wine. Zinfandel. Next time I interrupt, just say zinfandel, and I'll know to be quiet.
S: How do you expect me to remember zinfandel?
M: It'll take a little practice!

Later on in another conversation, I heard Sweetie say zinfandel. Oops! I did it again! We both laughed and our friends were clueless. It's kind of awkward, but I think we're on to something.

Still later (it was a long lunch!) Sweetie got up and started a conversation with the people across from us. Turns out the man was 3 months shy of being 100 years old. The six of us shared stories and laughs for about 15 minutes. When asked the secret to his longevity, the gentleman said vinegar and honey. Sounds like a deadly combination to me, but he was a retired doctor so he spoke with authority. When the man smiled his whole face lit up, even his eyes twinkled. But more than I noticed that when Sweetie was engaged in this conversation his mood lifted.

Isn't it amazing what a smile can do?
Merry ME

Comments

Anonymous said…
Just read all of this last week's posts, both yours and Sweetie's. Through the days, I could see the evolution of fear lessening to courage, determination, positivity, honesty, deepening love, partnership/teamwork, humor, in just one week. I'm sure there are many more adjectives to add to that list. There are so many people waiting to help and be there for you both. You have done so much for so many that now those many want to give back in their own way whenever and whatever you need. At times, it may seem that you are alone, and too, there may be lonely times, but you are the center of a caring community. Know that you will always be able to reach out and someone will be there to grab your hand. Lots of love, ld

PS Those aren't adjectives, are they?
June 2, 2015 at 12:30 AM
AkasaWolfSong said…
Zinfandel...sounds like a tower where the warriors hang out, polish their skills of holding back whatever needs holding back, or up, whatever the case may be. As for the Doctor's vinegar and honey, I'm sure of it from a purely alternative healing kind of way. Perhaps some medicinal marijuana too as the CDC oil in it restores the neurological receptors that are losing their own natural oils. I heard that too, and it makes sense to me. I love the comment above...and will stand in affirmation of it too! :) Sending loads of love and an abundance of positive energy your way...both of you! xoxoxo
June 13, 2015 at 3:27 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Every Little Bit Helps

Image
UPDATE:  I'll be picking a winner on Thanksgiving Day. So make a donation and leave your name in the comment section below.  ME UPDATE:  I see a tiny problem but it should be easy to fix. Commenting anonymously doesn't get your name in the drawing. And there's no way to tell Anonymous A from Anonymous B. Are you different or the same? I need to be able to get back in touch with you somehow. We can exchange email addy's later. But please at least leave your name. If you still comment as Anonymous, just say your name in the comment.  You can use first name and last initial. Or last name alone. Or an Alias. Just so I can get your name in the hat. And really, thank you. Thank you again and again. Merry ME _____ I always breathe a sigh of relief when a storm veers away from Jacksonville.  At the same time it's hard not to feel guilty that it went somewhere else.  I was in no way prepared for Hurricane Sandy. Like a lot of others, I felt like the...
Read more

An Easter Miracle

Image
How is it that after someone you love dies, time moves on even when it feel like its standing still? Philosophers, poets and writers have tried to answer that question since time began. I don't have the answer. I just know that, by what I can only imagine is the Grace of God, it does. When you heart is broken into something resembling a 1000 piece jig saw puzzle and there are no directions on how to put it together, somehow it mends. When some else dies and it cracks again, God stitches the old wound and the new wound together into a patchwork of healed scars. Fifteen years ago, when I watched my mother draw a breath then counted the seconds before she took another but none came, I sat by her bed and tried to imagine being a motherless child. Then I did what any kid would do, ran down the long hospital corridor sounding the alarm. "My mother isn't breathing." "My mother isn't breathing."  Want to see doctors, nurses, CNAs, and cleaning ladies tur...
Read more

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY BLOG PARTY

Image
In honor of women everywhere ... Welcome to the International Women's Day Blog Party (Turn up the sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuB3_HLcFfk ) International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. To this end, this party is a way to honor those special ladies who have inspired us and made us better than we ever thought we could be. It is with gratitude and pride I welcome you to my blog. I'm anxious to hear your stories and celebrate your choices. All you have to do is go down to the bottom of this post and click on the comment section. That will take you to another page where you can write your tribute in the space provided. You can use your Google/Blogger user name or remain anonymous. There is nothing to join. If you choose to post anonymously please leave your name in the comment section so we'll all know who you are. When you're through hit publish and voila your lady is o...
Read more