We had some problems with the TV aerial. It was complicated by the higgledy-piggledy nature of the apartment blocks. Ours was so old and rickety that each flat still had Constantinople over the door frame. The neighbouring building was taller and more modern. It was suggested that we pay a visit next door to discuss some kind of cable sharing arrangement. This was duly achieved. In fact, the elderly couple were extremely friendly, and I was surprised to find that the man spoke English of a more than passable standard. It turned out that he was a retired doctor and my impression was that this adjustment in his circumstances had sent him into a state of utter boredom. After decades of being consulted and respected, he was just another old man in a rooftop apartment, counting down the days of sunshine that still remained. He was pleased to welcome a stranger into his home, and was keen to keep the conversation going beyond the banalities of cables and satellite dishes. ‘Come and visit me anytime,’ he said to me as we left. And I could tell that this was more than just a pleasantry. More, in fact, like disguised desperation. Usually I take up these kinds of offers, when I can see it might be beneficial to another person or, from a more selfish angle, when he or she might promise to be particularly interesting. I can’t deny that he probably qualified in both categories, but for some reason I never went back. I do regret that. But, if it means anything at all, I’ve never been able to forget him.
20/5/2022 05:36:35 pm
Funny (and sad) how that happens. Best of intentions, really want to go back, have a visit, but life somehow gets in the way.
Doug
20/5/2022 11:53:25 pm
Just who was the saddest? Nice story David.
Seb
21/5/2022 02:11:04 pm
Right. Sometimes people make a bigger impression on us than we or they realise at the time ...
Kate M.
21/5/2022 02:12:31 pm
Sometimes the wondering is more intriguing than the reality!
Pamela Kennedy
21/5/2022 07:14:22 pm
How sad for both parties. Well done, David.
Fran Willard
21/5/2022 11:39:17 pm
I'm sure many of us have people in our backgrounds like this. Ones we didn't connect with that leave us thinking about what might have been. Thoughtful stuff!
Sue Clayton
22/5/2022 05:26:53 am
So many sad old men, and women, would welcome the kindness of an occasional visit. Sometimes we are full of good intentions but make excuses of our busy lives to assuage the guilt of not following through.
Mandy B.
22/5/2022 12:29:44 pm
Fully agree with Sue here. We know better but still we often end up letting others (and ourselves) down. Comments are closed.
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