The Patron Saint of Dogs and Old Men
It’s the people we meet along the way.
That is what this blog is about, the people in my life, family and friends. But, it is also about people like the young woman I met in the park one day.
In retirement, to keep myself from being one with the couch, I walk the park every day (well, most days).
Last week, I chose one of those most days when the temperature was well above ninety. When I walk, I tend to sweat a lot because I wear a baseball cap (I’m old and overweight but, yeah, its the cap). On my last lap around the park, I stopped and put my foot up on a bench when I noticed my shoelace had become undone.
In my peripheral, I notice a young woman walk passed me. I said hello and I think she responded (I wear earbuds when I walk), then noticed she stopped and turned toward me. Again, I heard a muffled comment from her, so I turn off my podcast.
She was a young woman, black hair and over-sized sunglasses. She reminded me of my chiece (chosen niece) Tara, who is a very charming young woman.
I asked her to repeat what she said.
“You’re hot,” she stated.
I’m old enough to know that she meant my current comfort level and not my degree of good looks.
“You should drink some water,” she continued.
“It’s in my car,” I said, “that’s where I’m going now.”
“Good.”
She asked my name, I told her and asked for hers.
“Sarah.”
As we exchanged pleasantries a woman with a dog walked by us. Sarah’s face lit up. The woman struggled to pull the dog because the dog had stopped, and strained the leash to walk back toward Sarah.
“Can I pet him?” Sarah asked as she moved forward.
Soon Sarah and the dog were nose to nose; she scratched the sides of his head. Sarah looked up at the woman.
“On a day like this, you should take him to Starbucks,” she informed the owner. “Ask for a Puppuccino, or pup cup. Its a cup of whipped cream for your dog,” then added, “its free!”
After a time, the owner and the dog left, now armed with information on how to get that dog some treats.
Sarah and I chatted a bit more, then she continued on her way to make sure everyone out in the world had enough water and whipped cream.
St. Sarah of Bridgewater, the Patron Saint of Dogs and Old Men...
Photo by Julia Kadel
