Member-only story
Small Wonders/Part 2: Writers Whispers
In the Good Old Days
When life was much simpler
It was my semester break from college, and to help pass the time constructively, I decided to do some volunteer work. As I had my own car, I happily accepted a job with the local Meals on Wheels provider.
My first day was great. I had ten meals to deliver, and it was heartwarming to meet the mostly elderly recipients and see the gratitude on their faces.
Most just opened the door when I knocked or rang the bell, smiled as they accepted their meal, thanked me, and said goodbye. But my last customer was sitting on his front porch as I approached.
He smiled as he took the meal in its styrofoam container and placed it on a small outdoor table. “Take a seat … if you have time?” he said, pointing to a spare chair beside him.
As he was my final drop-off for the day, I agreed. I knew that the elderly, especially if living alone, sometimes just relished the chance to have someone to talk to… and that was the case with this gentleman.
“In the good old days — ”
The old man said,
“Oh, I remember it well.
Life moved slow
This fact I know,
And women looked after their men.
Kids wandered and played
Farther away…
