I was driving through a sweet  and  favourite urban corner of this city just the other day. You know the kind- none of your neighbors look alike, they are all creative and bright with interesting stories. They are middle aged or older  and boho chic- aging happily without reservation, replete with stories and adventures like chapters of an interesting book.

A couple caught my eye. They were older – maybe in their 70’s, walking at a good pace, holding hands (Oh, I love that after so many years), laughing and enjoying the day. They were equally handsome and matched each other. I decided they were returning from their coffee shop from  their window seat  and know the waitress by name. They go there often to share a cafe au lait in a bowl and a little sandwich. Sometimes they take the newspaper and read out loud to each other.

Now they are walking home, to take a little nap because their out of country visitors have just left after a week long stay. They are a little tired. When their children left home, they downsized but always wanted a couple of guest bedrooms so that  visiting could always be possible. They have friends and family from all over the world.

They travel and share many passions. They do many things together  and some things apart. They are best friends and lovers.

But the thing they love most is when it is just them alone. They have lots to talk about. So many inside jokes, shared interests and passions.

They recently passed their 50th wedding anniversary. Even if I start now I will never get to that number.

Ok, it is true I made this all up at a red light. But still.

the instinct of a mother- read about why we need to take the oxygen first by clicking here