A New Friend

Today the boys & I were in Walmart (gag - yuck) while HG had her 2 hour gymnastics class. I told the boys we were in a hurry because of the limited amount of time & the huge amount of groceries we had to get. They all received small gift cards for Christmas that they just can't wait to spend. I told them that we wouldn't buy anything today, but if they were good & we had time left over we would go over to their (toy) isle at the end for them to start doing a little "window shopping." We managed to fill up practically two buggies in a fairly quick amount of time with absolutely no fights. Shocker, I know. I was pretty stunned too. We were doing pretty well on time.... And then we met HIM.
Standing at the end of the frozen section is this adorable older gentleman with the cutest little grin on his face. I had seen him a few aisles over but in the fast pace that we were going, I hadn't REALLY noticed him. Well,he had obviously seen me "reprimanding" my youngest son who I thought was being rude. As we approach him, he kind of steps in front of us to make sure we stopped to talk. I am so thankful that we did. I ended up having about a 30 minute conversation with this 92 year old man who knew my grandfather. That's how he started his conversation. He told me with a smile on his face "I used to be in the grocery business, & I made sure all my customers had a good experience while shopping." From the smile he gave my son, I knew he was talking to him. We talked about everything from his health, his family - he's one of 9 kids, his wife of 54 years & 9 months who died over 14 years ago - he said you never really get over that with a slight tear in his eye, we learned about how he deals in stocks, how he conned his son into buying his motor home because he didn't need to be driving that big old thing around any more, he only takes 1 blood pressure pill every morning - other than that he is healthier than most 70 year olds I know, and so much more. I just couldn't get over his zest for life, his attitude, & over whelming NICEness. We were in such a hurry. I know somewhat the boys hated not getting to shop, but I am so thankful that for once, we slowed down & made a new friend. He truly blessed my day today.
So, if you are ever in West TN & see the cutest little man with matching tan hat & overcoat with the brightest white teeth ever - make sure you take the time to stop & listen. You will learn a lot from him & I promise he will make your day. I hated having to leave him, but we had to check out so we could go get Miss Priss. Maybe I'll meet up with him again - I'd love to sit & chat some more......