Now, I don't know how many of you have eaten at a restaurant alone, but I felt a little uneasy at first. Once I arrived, though, the relaxing atmosphere made me feel welcome. Yeah, I was at the right place.
After I ordered I thought... "what to do?.." The answer- PEOPLE WATCH! It's such a FUN hobby. I just love watching them, trying to figure out their lives, witnessing their honest moments. It's peaceful. And today, it was inspirational.
I took a plop outside. The temperature was perfect. Flowers were fragrant in the air. And-- there were even little birds perched on the fence. I sat there. At first- a little frazzled. My mind racing, thinking of everything on my "to-do" list. Wondering how it was even humanly possible to get it done. Pondering my life- obligations- and piled high assignments.
As I was busy worrying, I heard some belly laughter from a nearby table. It was five elderly women. Silver hair. Great fashion sense. Dainty make-up. And my inner stalker/eavesdropper came to surface.
They were catching up. Talking about life, old memories, hot men, and there were even a few sexual comments. I LOVED it. They were hilarious.
Their raw, genuine happiness sparked some self-reflection on my part. I thought about my life. I imagined me, 40 years from now- at that table- reminiscing with my girls. Where will we all be? What will we have gone through by then?
I thought about getting older and how I will handle it. I thought about time and how fast it truly flies. I thought about my family & friends and how much I love and miss them. Most of all- I thought about these last years in college. I only have two more. Why is it that I complain so often, when I'm blessed with so much.
People can tell us a million times to cherish every second of your life- but we won't. No, not until something opens our eyes. Something as simple as witnessing a conversation between old friends.
These last two years are the time to make those "belly laugh" worthy memories. This is the time to appreciate being in school. It's a time to value the friends who surround you. Because- chances are.. after graduation- everyone is going to be busy building their own lives. Raising their own children. Going their own direction. And it won't be until all of that settles down- before you come back together, and meet for lunch- where you'll recall all those times you spent together. When you'll be brought back to a place you once couldn't wait to leave. And that place will hold the biggest smiles in your heart.
Those beautiful ladies were amusing. They were also a reminder. 50 years from now really is going to feel like yesterday..only it won't be. I don't know about you- but I hope I'm at that table, wrinkles and all, still laughing. Still the same quirky, wild, edgy me. Surrounded by pals who bring out the best in me. I can only pray that one day- I'll be sitting right were they were. Remembering the past and making new memories as I do it.
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