Woman at the Door
The doorbell rang. The woman standing there seemed flustered, uneasy, uncertain.
“Sir, I’m looking for a house on this street that’s about to be empty. I’m not looking for myself but for my mother who thinks she might want to live here. I’m supposed to report to her what it’s like. It’s either 509 or 506, I can’t remember which. I came to 506 first so I knocked here. Are you moving out?”
In fact, Nancy and I had just moved in, into the retirement community where we now live in Asheville, North Carolina. There are both older and younger residents here, some who are pretty well confined to the village and others who use this as a home base for living in the city as a whole, as we intend to do. We have met a number of highly intelligent, highly accomplished, and very interesting people; it is an alive place. Like about half the living units in the community, our house is a separate structure on a residential street.
“No, ma’am, we are not moving out. We just moved in. I’m sorry, but you have the wrong house.”
“Well, I couldn’t remember which one it was, 509 or 506. I have dyslexia, and I sometimes get nines and sixes mixed up. And, besides that, I’m just forgetful. I sometimes think I ought to be living in one of these places, because half the time my mind doesn’t work right. I get confused and can’t keep things straightened out.”
Lady, Go! You have said more than enough. Just leave! (No, I didn’t say it, but I was thinking it.)
The patronizing attitude people can get toward those who have had a little experience in life is absolutely appalling!
Coming Soon - Stories, Anecdotes, News, and Bad Jokes
This is going to be the home of many great things now that Jim lives in Asheville and is bored. Stay tuned for his writings, stories, tales, yarns, and information about his collection of fine tooth combs.
Oh, and by all means:
GO CARDS!!!!