It happened this past week. It was our anniversary so I decided, last minute, no scrambled egg with toast tonight. Since it was early, no problem getting a table for one. Nearby, three chatted away. An older woman, probably younger than I, kept catching my eye. After awhile, she walked over and said, “Excuse me, please feel free to tell me to go away, but I feel I need to say something to you.”
Well, my mind went wild, considering endless possibilities of wrongdoing? did I kneel when I prayed? dribble something, somewhere? use the wrong utensil?
She calmed my fears with, “I hope I’m not being rude but I admire you. I can’t go out and eat alone. It’s too hard and you seem to be doing just fine. You’re brave.”
Turns out she, Felicity, was from Michigan, (Friendly midwesterners, I love and miss you!). I thanked her for coming over, then told her it would’ve been our 54th anniversary and I decided, last minute, to come to Duckworth’s, a favorite place for Jud and me. Felicity went on to say her husband died two years ago and she still couldn’t go out alone. We hugged, then settled down at our respective places to finish our meals.
As I left, all three wished me a Happy Anniversary. And it was, all things considered. I left satisfied by a good meal, a sweet memory of times Jud and I celebrated a significant date at Duckworth’s and gratitude for a risk taker who God tapped to remind me, as Christopher Robin did to Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
So are you, Felicity.
and all who wonder.
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I love that you did that . . . YOU ARE, you know!!! Love to you on your birthday and anniversary week! 🙂
Lovely – gives me courage to be brave when I feel the urge but hold back! And very proud of you – so many were rewarded because of your first step!
Happy Anniversary now and forever
Happy Anniversary! I have a feeling that Jud was with you, perhaps whispered in your visitor’s ear to come and say hello to you, so you would know he was near. Jan, you were meant to be at Duckworth’s for your anniversary.
I want you to know, your writings have helped me so much, to find my way out from the grief of my parent’s passing in 2009 and 2012. Your gentle reminders of God’s unfailing love and the guidance of the Spirit have helped me to move ahead.
Jan, thank you for sharing this tender story. It encourages me to be a risk-taker too!. How much we need to step out to encourage one another!
Awww! Really sweet! Angel unaware.
So beautiful, on so many levels. Happy 54th! So proud of you and thankful for you and Jud. Love,
Wendy
Her name alone is a gift. My friend and teacher once said that Christ is in you, so follow your good urgings. You did so when you went to Duckworth’s and Felicity did so when she had the courage to acknowledge your courage and deep love.
Jan,
Your reminding me of the quote to Pooh from Christopher Robbin was just the thing to pass on to a friend who is going through a tough time. Thanks!
On another note, another friend is planning to start a blog later in the summer. Wonder if I could pass on your email or whatever you are comfortable with sharing with her? I think it sounds like she may want to consult a bit with you about your experience with blogging.
Either way is fine; just let me know.
Marianne Cannon