Shoelaces

Today, I went up to the Mall to redeem my Gap Cash.  I had received a certain amount for spending a certain amount before Christmas, and I have between now and 2/4 to redeem it.  It amounts to about 50% off if you spend $50.  I don't normally fall for those kind of gimmicky deals, but this one seemed good (tell me if I am wrong, please).

Any way, when I arrived, I noticed this older couple in the parking lot, walking really slowly. I didn't think much about it, but then I started walking behind them.  It looked like they were just there, just walking around.

  My Aunt Lucille used to do that with my Uncle Bill.  They would go to the food court, get a little something to eat, then go home.  This is what it looked like this couple was doing.

But then, I noticed how tenderly the man was walking with the wife.  She is obviously not well.   Maybe just recovering from something, but she was walking really slowly.   I was touched.  I started thinking about all the old couples out there who are grumpy and snippy with each other, but this couple seemed really happy just to be together.    Walking slowly around the mall.

And then I saw the woman lean up, say something to her husband, and they stopped.  And then the man, with some difficulty, leaned down to tie her shoe.   I couldn't remember seeing anything so lovely in a long time.  It reminded me of all the shoelaces I have tied....for my children.   And here, this man was doing for his wife, who had, at least momentarily, become unable to tie her own shoe. It was really sweet.

So, in the end, it is just about who we have with us to tie our shoes.