It is Tuesday and time to write a 'Slice of Life."
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We both exclaimed at once – “Wait, is that you?!”
We hadn’t seen each other in years. The parent of a former student is now working part-time at my favorite local bookstore. What a small world.
This parent and I, it was mutual adoration, back when her child was in my class. I worked at a ‘cooperative preschool’ then, where family members took turns assisting in the classroom. We got to know one another very well. I loved working alongside new parents, and this particular mom was one of the best – happy, patient, and energetic (pretty useful traits with young children).
I explained that Tony was in the car, waiting outside; I was only in the store a hot minute to grab a book on order, but please, tell me everything! We had a super quick share about our families, how everyone was doing. My goodness, her oldest child – that little preschooler of mine from years ago – is now in college. She was excited to hear about my grandkids, that my oldest son is a father. Then she asked about my other two sons – How old are they now? Are they married?
What is it about this “Are they married?” question that always sends a little shutter down my neck? Honestly, I would love these two children of mine to have loving partners, but … well, it’s not really something I can control, yes? These two are single. Unattached. Not dating anyone ‘seriously.’ (At least, not to my knowledge.) And, I try to be totally okay with this – Tony and I were older when we got married, there is time. Plus, I have many relatives who are life-long singles, living full lives. Maybe ‘marriage’ isn’t in the cards. Isn’t it more important that they simply feel good about their lives, with or without someone dear?
Okay, regarding that above paragraph – I totally spared my “re-found” friend this diatribe; I answered her breezily, saying “They’re both single and loving life.”
Re-found gives me a big smile and says, “Well, bring them here next time – let me introduce you to [the woman] at the cash register, she’s single and just the best. I know your sons are sweet!!” and, in a split second, she pulls this adorable but embarrassed woman into our conversation.
I had quite a laugh about this exchange when I got back into the car with my husband, and more laughter with my sons themselves. Maybe they need a real ‘forward push’ like this? Maybe life is more like a romantic comedy, if we are open to it?
Well, somebody has to arrange the matches, Young people can't decide these things themselves. She might bring someone wonderful---- Someone interesting---- And well off---- And important--- Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a match, Find me a find, Catch me a catch Matchmaker, Matchmaker Look through your book, And make me a perfect match - lyrics from "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," by Jerrold Lewis Bock & Sheldon M. Harnick