I picked Trefor up around 10 am.
He’d forgotten I was coming but with a bit of mild panic , he donned a coat, and found his slippers and got into Bluebell with the minimum of supervision.
He’s 99 and looks well.
I brought him up to the TCA Coffee Morning where he could mix with the other grey hairs ( including myself) and chat….he did just that until lunchtime.
The coffee morning was full with a good sixty to seventy people there.
On the way back to his residential home he asked me about my work and college and told me of his days as an electronics technician for the civilian RAF and we gossiped about a neighbour we both have little regard for like old ladies so often do when they are feeling a bit snide.
“ Do you ever hear from your husband ? “ he asked me suddenly as we stopped the car and I told him “ No , not any more”
He patted my hand with his and smiled
“ You deserve a lot better” he said in his sing song Welsh accent
And raised his walking stick in a gesture of farewell
A wise man. You do deserve better!
ReplyDeleteI hope, if I get to be that age, I still have my faculties, too. xx
Yes, I mentioned the last sentence to reinforce how normal a conversation can be had with someone who was born nearly a century ago.
DeleteHow accepting ! How ordinary
Two kind worldly men enjoying the moment xx Jan
ReplyDeleteTwo old farts chatting
DeleteWhat a great guy, and yes, clearly up for an ordinary conversation with a good friend. John, you're a national treasure!
ReplyDeleteI think that’s what I wanted to get over, he brought up subjects that may have been difficult for other 99 year old men to initiate
DeleteOn the contrary John, age makes previously difficult subjects acceptable.
DeleteYes
DeleteI loved your interaction with him. I've always had an affinity for the elderly and agree that the conversations can be so different. In the first photo he looks quite like my father who passed in the 1080s.
ReplyDeleteNina
Did your father contribute to The Norman Conquest Nina? (see the decade date)
DeleteHe’s travelled extensively Nina , but only in californina in the States lol
DeleteThat was a very nice thing to do John. I hope that that troll commenter doesn't disparage you for your humanity.
ReplyDeleteOh I’m sure they will put their heads over the parapet
DeleteNice of you to offer Trefor a ride and this unexpected pleasure was the result.
ReplyDeleteYou SO deserve better, you know.
What a great community you live in!
Hugs!
Babs no agreement needed it wasn’t the reason for the blog we all deserve better don’t we?
DeleteTrefor was not wrong there; he obviously has all his marbles still - and he looks pretty good for 99.
ReplyDeleteHe was being kind, and that for a man of his age with upbringing was noticeable
DeleteAn enjoyable outing for both of you, John.
ReplyDeleteAnd the sun was shining
DeleteA 60-75 group turn out is excellent. It all looks very enjoyable. Trefor is looking good at 99. He must have loved seeing his friends in the village. Bring people together is always great for all ages.
ReplyDeleteI like that there was a mixture of ages there today,
DeleteAh yes John - raking over old grounds (politely called reminiscing) is undoubtedly the chosen theme for the elderly village folk. Just the same here.
ReplyDeleteTrefor was born in the village and never, ever, left
DeleteWhat a lovely neighbor you are, John. And yes, it's great you were able to chat so easily. I agree with Trefor. You DESERVE better than the X. Jo
ReplyDeleteJo it’s past now, Trefor was just being kind I’m sure my husbands friends thought that he could do better
DeleteThat’s kind of you john to say
DeleteNow that is so lovely.
ReplyDeleteHe’s always been a good neighbour tome and a good friend to the village
DeleteHi John, I don’t comment much, but just have to say that I love reading your blog. It is Real. You pull no punches, and share real life stories and emotions… the good, the bad, and the ugly (trolls and all). You are human … and it shows. I admire how you have bounced back from heartbreak, and forged new paths for yourself. You really do inspire me. Your compassion for, and friendship with Trefor is touching. He is right… You deserve better! Cali G
ReplyDeleteSometimes We all deserve better Cali, I’m sure my ex husbands family and friends thought he could do better….things just get polarised don’t they?
DeleteThank you for your kind words though
That's quite a good crowd! Like so many of your posts, this is a great little window into village life. As you said, it's great that you and Trefor can talk about such things together. Age is only a number!
ReplyDeleteHe’s a nice old chap
DeleteTrefor sounds thoroughly delightful. What nice friends you have in the village, John.
ReplyDeleteI have a few jennifer…
DeleteCovid reinforced our ties menthinks
Such an open mind for a 99 year old. Still giving a compliment and not thinking of himself. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteThat’s the message of today’s blog
DeleteThat’s what moved me
This is a heartwarming post. I understand completely. My husband is in his late 60s and his best friend is mid 30s. Jackie
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope I’m the same to gorgeous Dave who is half my age
DeleteFunny that my husband's best friend is also named Dave! Jackie
DeleteIt's what's inside that matters, and that "inside soul" can connect with anyone else's regardless of age. Nicely written, as usual.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny x
DeleteShort compliments are the sweetest and most meaningful. Trefor really appreciates you. And he was right. You did, and you do, deserve better.
DeleteX
DeleteTrevor sounds a good 'un...and good company.
ReplyDeleteThat is a heartwarming turnout for a coffee morning. How many people live in Trelawnyd?
300 or so
DeleteI love when humans 'connect'. Trevor sounds like a Marisol candidate to me.
ReplyDeleteNow that's bought a tear to my eye John. It is one of your specialities, in a good way.
ReplyDelete