I had the good fortune to become daughter-in-law to a lovely lady by the name of Pat. We got along really well and she could be a bit of a hoot. Also, she was a bit of a sneaky card shark and scrabble player too. But I digress…
How am I turning into my Mother-in-law? Well, we always gave her a hard time about chatting to all and sundry whenever we took her anywhere. On a train, waiting for a bus, in a shop anywhere at all this little white haired social butterfly would strike up a conversation. She always seemed happiest when she was having a good old natter with someone.
So, in the spirit of Pat, I have taken on the mantle of being the white-haired lady who will strike up a conversation with people. Not so long ago I would not have said a word, but I find myself more and more talking to people in supermarket cues, as I do my groceries, well pretty much anywhere the mood takes me ala Pat.
In the supermarket today, I had a delightful encounter with a young man with Down’s Syndrome and his Mum. He had picked up two packets of crumpets and was holding them up and telling me what a good deal they were and that he loves crumpets. He urged me to take advantage of the opportunity. I said, ‘Ill see’. Met his Mum along the aisles and I said, ‘your son will be disappointed if he doesn’t see crumpets in my trolley!’ We both laughed and she agreed. They happened to be behind me at the checkout and I said to him ‘see you got your crumpets!’ His Mum then asked me if I had grabbed some, when I said no, he piped up and said ‘I’ll go and grab you some!’ I thanked him and said, ‘No, I’m all good today thanks!’ He then said, ‘You can borrow mine!’ The checkout operator, Mum and I and the young man all had a good laugh. Not sure how I could borrow his crumpets!
It was a delightful encounter and bought a smile to my face and to those nearby during our conversations. What opportunities I have missed to interact with people previously and perhaps to make their day a little better by acknowledging them and having a wee chat.
Social connections are important, especially when you have had to connect with people in your work. Not talking to people would take away the chance to interact with others and hopefully make both our days. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, but just connecting is important.
Another lady at the checkout was talking about how expensive her new lenses were in her glasses and a couple of other things she had to pay for this week. Myself and the checkout operator agreed with her about the cost of almost everything. When the lady went on her way, I said to the checkout operator, ‘It does you good to have a bit of a whinge sometimes!’ She laughed and agreed.
So, in having these wee chats, perhaps I have helped to put a smile on their faces as they did mine.
That can’t be a bad thing can it!
My journey with Parkinsons 