Life

There is an older gentleman who comes to Starbucks on a daily basis. When I worked in the mornings he would show up religiously for his grande americano. As with most regulars, we developped a relationship. I discovered his name is Frank (we affectionately call him Frankie), he owns a farm 30 minutes out of town and his wife lives in town. Day in and day out I would hear about his wife and how he has to hide the fact that he buys his loud chihuahua $2 madeliene cookies behind his wife's back, all in a very thick french accent.

I have switched to the evening shift and to my surprise Frankie comes in the evenings as well. And better yet, I got to meet Mrs. Frankie. She was poised and delighted to be called as such, without a matching accent.

Tonight, Frankie came in and we chatted. Him and his wife have been married for 46 years. He comes down into town every morning and goes to work at a car garage, visits with his wife then drives back out to his ranch. When I jokingly suggested that that was the reason for his successful marriage, he responded with something along the lines of "No way, it's great. I'm glad we're older." He then told us about how the times are so different nowadays and he wouldn't change anything in his past for the world.As I think about what he said, my mind twirls. I've never heard my grandparents complain about the way things are today, in fact my grandfather just bought an airbook so he and my grandmother can take it on their trip to Europe this year. When discussing the past with my grandmother-in-law, she does reminisce, but never longingly. Same with my parents. While I loved high school and college, I have no desire to relive them and am happy with today.

Everybody knows I romanticize previous eras. In my mind the 50s are a dreamland, and the 20s even more so. I've sat in front of our grandparents, quizzing them about what they wore when they were younger, listening to stories about their escapades, imagining gorgeous clothes, stylish hair and all things vintage. Yet, I've never asked them about things that have occurred in my lifetime. It seems so droll and unromantic, the 80s, 90s and today, but it's my past, that I am glad to say is over, just like Frankie. I can't wait for what life has to bring next and love the life I live here and now.