Today, I got home and found our neighbor at the end of our neighbor’s driveway. She needed help getting home, she’s older and not capable of moving very well. But go to the senior center? With all those old people. “No thank you.” she’ll tell you. Dog by her side, she will sit on her front steps and watch the world pass her by. Summer is her season, the garden her pride and joy.
“I write the checks and I call the shots” she told me after I took her and her little sidekick home today. “I like that line.” I told her, laughing. “I’m going to write it.” She and I slipped in and out of Spanish as nearly an hour passed, we talked about everything from her grandkids to her Mom. She is from Mexico and proud of it. She wonders what has gone wrong. “What’s wrong with this country these days?” she asked. “The internet” I told her. “You think so?” she asked. “I do, yes.”
As our conversation drew to a close as I needed to get home to start dinner, she asked me if I was happy with how things are. She asks all the tough, personal questions that many of us are too shy, reserved, or self-involved to ask. “I am.” I told her. “Generally, yes. I am.” I was telling her the truth, there’s no other way to talk to her.
“I will save you a plate.” I told her as I walked toward my car. Spaghetti and meatballs are her favorite and I promised to bring some tomorrow. “The Italians know how to do things right.” she said, reminiscing about an Italian family she used to live next to. “I could eat spaghetti and meatballs every night.” she said. “You might not like mine, mine are turkey.” She raised an eyebrow, asking why I had switched. “It’s healthier, you know. Got to stay healthy.” She nodded in agreement, probably thinking I was crazy to make turkey meatballs. “I’m doing a storytelling night and maybe I’ll quote you.” I said to her. “Don’t forget. I write the checks and I call the shots.” I didn’t forget. What a great line.
Speaking of that storytelling night, June 27th at Mistletoe Acres Farm! Click on the link below to get tickets. Who doesn’t like a good story??
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-mic-speakeasy-hosted-by-evergreen-grey-tickets-1363821208949?aff=ebdssbdestsearch