One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old "blue
hair" about 80 years old, came along with them--- All in all, a pleasant
bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches,
and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two
scoops, chocolate."
I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along
with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed. We tried to
act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when
our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine. I couldn't take my
eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down. The other ladies showed
dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.
The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched
on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait. I smiled. She asked if she
amused me. I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How
come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?
She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that's
possible.
I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so
short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I
realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old
before."
"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had
ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many
books I haven't read. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and
kites to be flown overhead. There are many malls I haven't shopped.
I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of Broadway
hits and potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and
feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once
more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day
spread on my morning toast. I want UN-timed long distance calls to
the folks I love the most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or
walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind in my hair. I want
to fall in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of
having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a
winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire.
I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."
With that, I called the waitress over. "I've changed my mind," I said.
"I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"