We went to breakfast with another couple. They chose the diner he often stopped at when he was traveling to see her, back when they were managing long distance dating. Which was half a century ago. It became clear how often they eat there, by how the servers knew their names, and their preferences.
"I see you brought your own cinnamon for your applesauce."
The conversation was lively, the food was delish. They described the recent family wedding, and the accomplishments of their beloved grandchildren, including the birth of a great grandchild. Gratitude has kept them afloat through their decades of raising a family, moves, and a new knee. Their trust in God has not faltered. I remembered the vase of roses in her bathroom when she hosted a tea party. It seemed to me the epitome of graciousness.
She told a story about when she was a swimming coach. I stopped listening briefly as I pictured her in a one piece, demonstrating the butterfly stroke to her team. Probably in a white rubber swim cap. They were popular in the sixties.
"I learned to notice before someone was beginning to drown. The look of panic as they were floundering told me to get them out of the water fast."
What a mindful thing to say. Anticipate the urgency of a struggle, and jump in early.
Last week I took a meal to a couple with a new baby. I invited another to go out for coffee. This week we will zoom with another who are working long hours, but still make mentoring a priority. It is my prayer to toss a rope before they start to drown.
