It makes you think....

[RichB]

This evening Mrs B and I went to a local gastropub as neither of us could be doing with cooking after a busy week. Our food arrived and as we ate we caught up on the week and shared our moans about work, colleagues, the state of a friend's personal life etc. You know the everyday stuff that couples who've been together a while discuss.

The waitress sat a well turned out elderly gentleman to the table opposite us. He ordered his fish and chips and sat patiently and silently as he waited for them. We both noticed this immediately and as we ordered a dessert to share struck up a conversation about the meals we were all enjoying and what brought us here tonight.

The fellow explained he'd been coming there more recently lately as he'd lost his wife of 60 years in August. The pain of loss was written on his face immediately. He explained that he has a kind and loving family who are clearly looking out for him and excitedly told us of his upcoming 2 month round the world cruise voyage, first class all the way too. That late in life and alone after so long realising you can't take it with you.

We chatted for a good while and he thanked us for our company, seemingly in a restaurant where everyone was looking at their phones. Eventually we said our farewells and left and as Mrs B and I got to the car we hugged each other. We've been together 20 years and they'd managed 3 times that. I can't even imagine how it must feel to lose a loved one after that long together.

All in all, quite the reality check and a real leveller.

[brian2957]

Yup these thoughts cross my mind too mate . We'll be married 25 years this February , and been the best of pals for most of that time . Don't get me wrong we sometimes have our differences but in the end we seem to have a similar outlook , or we probably just wouldn't have lasted this long .
Funnily , I met an old chap at the gym ( yes he was using the machinery at 72 IIRC ) who had recently lost his wife , and he told me a similar story of going a cruise the next day I think.

It must be so sad to have had someone in your life for so long , only to wake up one morning and find they're no longer there . We really should appreciate the people in our lives while they're with us . I for one can be a bit guilty sometimes of not doing that and there's a lesson in your words .
Sad tale Rich , and food for thought for me anyway mate . Thanks for sharing your thoughts :)

[walpurgis]

I'll say nothing about my other half. :rolleyes: And going on a cruise is something I'd regard with horror. :eek:

[struth]

Yup these thoughts cross my mind too mate . We'll be married 25 years this February , and been the best of pals for most of that time . Don't get me wrong we sometimes have our differences but in the end we seem to have a similar outlook , or we probably just wouldn't have lasted this long .
Funnily , I met an old chap at the gym ( yes he was using the machinery at 72 IIRC ) who had recently lost his wife , and he told me a similar story of going a cruise the next day I think.

It must be so sad to have had someone in your life for so long , only to wake up one morning and find they're no longer there . We really should appreciate the people in our lives while they're with us . I for one can be a bit guilty sometimes of not doing that and there's a lesson in your words .
Sad tale Rich , and food for thought for me anyway mate . Thanks for sharing your thoughts :)

You were in the gym? ;) nice one. not been in one in years lol, as my frame can attest to :lol:
Aye, losing your partner is a biggie folks. Best you do all you can when you can with your loved ones, as you never know when you wont be able to; if that makes sense. I was fortunate enough(in many ways) to be close to mine for many years looking after her. You really get to know someone that way, and it should be classed a privilege, not a chore folks.:)
That was good of you and mrs Rich to spend some time with a stranger. probably made his day.:cheers:

[TazSob]

My wife's grandfather passed earlier this year at the age of 98, leaving his wife... They were together 70+ years. I've been with my Miss's for 17yrs and cannot imagine how It would feel should this be me.
Really sad to think about.