A TENDER SCENE
						Hamburgers draw our family like a magnet!   The tantalizing aroma and the smoke rising leisurely from the grill seem to beckon us as we draw near.  The grilled sandwich with an overload of onions and other “goodies” has an appealing effect on our taste buds, resulting in frequent visits to the local fast food restaurants. An extra large pleasantry presented itself one night at our favorite hamburger spot, when we were seated near a table occupied by a couple with an obvious case of “puppy love.”  Only these two were well beyond the ‘puppy” stage.   She and he were surely in their 90’s, if I can in some measure assess age.  Her hair was
	white, short, and curly.  She wore glasses and a floral lavender dress.  He was also dressed in lavender, shirt, and pants.  They gained my attention when he was so attentive, charming, and endearing to his companion.  In a very short time, he had gotten up three or more times to bring something for her enjoyment.  It was with great effort that he did so as his back was bent and his steps slow.  Each time he returned, a pleasant expression framed his face.   The scene was so enticing that it surpassed my desire for food.  This man’s genteel manners were to be admired.  Each was absorbed with the other to the extent that they seemed unaware of anyone else’s presence.  After what seemed a short time, they arose to go.  He was at her side in a heartbeat.  I then noticed she required the use of a cane.  Gently, he helped her to the door and they walked cautiously to their car.  We had also finished our meal and followed from a distance.  It was a rare occurrence to find that their car was parked next to ours.  They were in a range of high visibility and at close proximity.  We watched as he patiently helped her into the car, lifting her feet so she could position them on the floorboard.  In his efforts to assist her, he had placed his drink on the roof of the car, all but forgotten.  We intervened to hand him the drink as he proceeded to close his door.  We lingered in the car, trying desperately not to intrude on this interesting couple, and yet so intrigued by their tender relationship.  We glanced over their direction just in time to see them clutched in each other’s arms, kissing with great passion!  The kiss was apparently so intoxicating that he almost side swiped a car as he left the parking lot.   We have been told that love is eternal, that it will out last all other things.  It is the ingredient which holds all relationships together.  Old age need not be a time when romantic loves fades or dies.  Love changes our perspective on life.  It colors our atmosphere.  It brings warmth, hope, and meaning.  It gives the aged a reason to live.  We were created to love and to respond to love-human love-animal love-God’ s love.  God is love.  He created us to receive His love.  How much more satisfying to experience His love!  It is always available!                                                           Ephesians 2:4-5        “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive        with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have                                                      been saved.”                                                           Zephaniah 3:17       “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight           in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”                                                  Maxine Tolbert Trigleth
			MUSIC LOVE WILL BE OUR HOME BY SANDY PATTI