Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 282 – Conversations

26 Jul 2020 41 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: , , , , , , ,

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“The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person…”

Andy Rooney

I absolutely love this quote, Spidey! Thank you so much!

Yesterday, I went off to do my weekly shop, mask donned, as is the new necessity now. as I left, the security alarm went off – something had been left with a tag on.

The security guard checked my receipt. “It’s probbaly the steak, or the charger that you’ve bought.” He waved me through the door.

A mature gentleman was passing through with me, and he laughed. “What have you been sneaking out?”

Luckily, I am one of those people with a sense of humour, and I knew the man was joking. So I said, “It’s either my dinner or the lifeblood for my daughter.” (Replacement charger for her phone… would have been a tragedy if I’d forgotten!)

He walked with me for a second, then started chatting about all sorts, from his hatred of modern technology, to his new way of living, in a Motor home, travelling to visit friends and family.

He’s eighty two. I think that’s pretty good going!

Obviously, a conversation with me will never last a couple of minutes, especially if there is someone of an equally taaalkative nature! (Half an hour… my ice creams were not happy with me!)

We went on to discuss the pros and cons of eReaders, vs Books, and I learned that he was an ex police man, turned university lecturer, with his Masters and PHD, specialising in Food.

We waxed lyrical about fast food vs real food.

It was a fascinating conversation, and all the while, I had my mask on. My big worry with masks, was thaat no one would know if I was smiling at them.

He said “I can tell from your eyes, you have a good nature.” I like this guy even more!

We finally parted when I checked my watch and realised how long I had been standing outside the shop, and how I might be late for Lil Man’s cricket match. (I wasn’t. The weather turned so it was cancelled.)

But I had such a lovely chat. And this man, born before the start of WW2, was so pleased to have someone to talk to.

I believe it is so important to take the time to talk to those older than us. They have much to tell us, to share, to teach. They truly are the best classroom in the world.

So tell me, have you had any eye opening conversations with elderly people?

Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps  And enjoy your week! ❤ 

41 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Jennie
    Jul 29, 2020 @ 02:53:17

    Yes, yes!! There is something wonderful that always seems to happen when you talk with an older person. They have so much to say, great wisdom and stories. I’m so glad that happened to you!!

    Liked by 4 people

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  2. charlypriest
    Jul 28, 2020 @ 13:17:15

    “I think thy end up being the best conversations” you said in the comment I hit the LIKE button above me. That is true, but depending on which elderly person also, my grandfather faught in the Spanish Civil war with the Communist and Jeeeeeesus, what a conversations he had with me, he had I just sat there and listen while thinking how crazy he was.Wouldn´t say nothing since I´d get a good spanking. Still loved him, but you get my point. So I´m 50-50 with Spidey today, can´t always be 100% with him nor me nor my next door neighbour.

    Liked by 4 people

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  3. robbiesinspiration
    Jul 27, 2020 @ 12:42:22

    I am just like you Ritu and also end up talking like this with strangers, especially elderly ones.

    Liked by 4 people

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  4. thereluctantpoet
    Jul 27, 2020 @ 01:38:32

    Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  5. OIKOS™-Publishing
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 18:16:16

    What a wonderful experience, Sis!The quote ist great, and so true. With much more elder people its easier to talk about important things too. Most youngster lost the patience, or wearing earplugs. 😉 The modern times, who will regret. Enjoy the last hours of this Sunday. Hope you have been rain free, because we had British weather here. Michael

    Liked by 4 people

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  6. Rebecca Moon Ruark
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 16:58:22

    The other day a writer I follow on Twitter was lamenting the death of chitchat due to COVID, and I said I really missed the random chitchat in the grocery checkout. I really do. Those spontaneous conversations aren’t happening much now, and I think it’s terribly sad. So glad you got to experience such a nice connection with a man with such wealth of experiences! We just visited my dad, who is 80 (though he would NEVER call himself elderly), and it’s always interesting to see his town (where he lived as a kid and returned to in his later years) through his old stories.

    Liked by 5 people

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  7. Rae Longest
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 15:36:59

    Honey, I AM elderly people. LOL

    Liked by 5 people

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  8. Erika
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 13:10:11

    That’s lovely that a rather embarrassing situation led you to such a lovely encounter.

    Liked by 5 people

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  9. Nanchi.blog
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 11:03:38

    How fascinating it is to talk to a like minded stranger! Haha.

    Liked by 5 people

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  10. Darlene
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 10:24:01

    That would have been my dad. He would have chatted with you for hours if you´d let him. And he would have just loved you! We left him sitting on a bench in Hawaii while hubby took mom and me shopping. Hubby was so worried about him all alone and kept telling us to hurry. We knew better. When we returned he had an army of young folks around him as he was chatting away to them. Love that quote too.

    Liked by 4 people

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    • Ritu
      Jul 26, 2020 @ 10:42:18

      That quote struck me straight away.
      And I’d have loved chatting to him!
      I always say Tommy kids “take the time out to talk – really talk -to your grandparents. You never know what pearls they may bestow upon you! “

      Liked by 2 people

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  11. jenanita01
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 10:09:16

    Unfortunately, I am the oldest person I know these days, and I wouldn’t listen to me if my life depended on it as wisdom must have missed me…

    Liked by 4 people

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  12. April Munday
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 09:35:46

    You were fortunate in your choice of old person. I know a few people over 80 whose conversation would not be worth letting your ice cream melt. On the other hand, I also know some I could sit and talk to all day and not notice the time passing.

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Ritu
      Jul 26, 2020 @ 09:40:20

      I know, but then again, some have developed a shell around them, probably because of the way they have been viewed and treated by others.
      So many people just look over the elderly. But they have much to share.
      But you’re right, April. There are always some! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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  13. francisashis
    Jul 26, 2020 @ 05:58:31

    You had a great time chatting with an elderly person who was born before WW2,perhaps he doesn’t find people to talk with so you were very courteous by sparing little time for the gentleman.Thanks for sharing your feelings of joy.🌹🙏👍

    Liked by 5 people

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