A number of years ago, when we had a travel agency, my husband had an office photo taken. Our staff consisted of five young ladies and me. I was the “go-for”, the window decorator and not so good at filing our little bookkeeper informed me one day. But we were a great group and my husband loved all of us.

Most seniors have worn so many hats that it is no wonder they are confused. A friend of mine confessed at church coffee time, that at a recent family affair, she was a great-grandma for the first time. It was disconcerting as she kept looking up every time someone said “grandma” and it is her daughter that is now “grandma”.

My late husband was perhaps best known for his enthusiasm and sense of humor. I knew he had a serious side but my friends had sat with him during hockey and football games. They knew he was a noisy spectator and fun to be with.

Every Friday morning I brew about 30 cups of coffee for my Bible study group. I have done this for over five years. A lot of study and a lot of coffee.

My four year old great nephew was an avid Star Wars fan and loved acting out the parts. On a visit to his home, he gave us all specific roles to play. When he came to me he took one look at my white hair and pronounced…”It’s too late for you Auntie Pat.”

Yesterday my Bible study group got sidetracked. This is not an unusual circumstance. They are a great group of gals but I do lose control once in a while.

I’m a cat lover. I hope that won’t alienate any of my readers but I have loved so many cats. Some years ago when I had the opportunity to visit the house I grew up in, there was a cat sitting in the kitchen window…it made the visit perfect, for cats had always lived in that house.

I wept as I watched a movie about a basketball game on T.V. It wasn’t the game that had me in tears, it was the cheerleaders.

There were few rules and regulations when our grandchildren visited us each summer. Somehow they just knew what was expected of them and I knew what was expected of us.

A friend was visiting my husband when he had cancer, so I felt free to run to the mall and have some time just for me. There is little time for that when you are doing round the clock care giving.

Blowing out all the candles on my birthday cake has become impossible task for me, so nowadays we keep it down to one large candle. Regardless of what some my say…I am not full of hot air.

I listen to the voice on the other end of the phone. It is news I have been expecting but it is still a shock.

“Scared-spit-less” is how I would describe how I felt when I looked over the edge of the rim I was clutching with white-knuckled fingers.

I have always been somewhat sentimental and have kept precious things. I knew the letters were there but I did not have the courage to read them after my husband died. I felt it might hurt too much. Am I ready for this, I ask myself?

Some of you may remember that old song “There’s a blue bird on my window sill…” Last week there was one on mine…well not a blue bird but a blue jay.

The window is covered with a screen but I am sure he would have come right into the house if it hadn’t been there…he tried twice.

My Bible study group was in a state of shock…”Did you hear it?” some asked. “Hear what?” others questioned. “Did you hear them actually say ‘good Samaritan on the radio?”

A very long time ago I called my two pre-teen daughters into the bedroom and sat them down on each side of me. I looked very serious and they looked at me quizzically…obviously I had something important to say.

The last time I decided to change my TV provider I came close to having a nervous breakdown. I am not electronically minded and changing light bulbs is about the limit of my expertise.

I stand at the back of the church and look at the faces I have loved for so many years. I will still love them, but no longer will I meet with them, laugh with them and sing with them every Thursday night. I have handed in my resignation to choir.

I sat beside a lady in the doctor’s office this week. We both had our noses buried in books, knowing it would be at least a half hour before we were called. (It was actually a full hour.) Across the room sat two teenagers. Their faces were glued to their cell phones. I have never seen such concentration!