Grumpy Old Women

They had a spectacular holiday party Wednesday at the independent senior living facility where my grandmother lives. She could invite family so my mother, aunt, and I went. It was really top-notch, with huge shrimp, hot hors d'oeuvres, and wine a-flowing. The only problem was that there were lots and lots of guests, and a buffet style dinner. Many of the guests, too, were over 90-years-old and therefore a little slower than, say, a 20-year old, at filling their plates.

To try to alleviate this, the staff, who did an absolutely wonderful job, called everybody table by table to go to the buffet. As we waited, a resident walked in with her son on her arm. They began to look for their table.

My grandmother pointed. "See that lady?" she asked.

I nodded.

"Nobody ever wants to sit with her," MomMom sniffed. "All she ever does is complain."

Shortly after we were called to get our dinner. But when you got to the hallway, you still weren't allowed to go right in. You had to line up. So some people would follow the rules and wait forever while others would simply saunter in.

It caused some angry feelings.

After we had waited for a while, we were finally told that we would be next, when a group of residents went to the front of the line. My mother kindly explained that we had been waiting.

But MomMom, God love her, announced to this group of women, quite loudly, that they had to go to the BACK of the line.

By this time, the women knew this, and were already cross about it. So my grandmother shrieking at them was the last straw.

"WE ARE!" one of the women shouted back, right in MomMom's face.

And my grandmother swatted her, half-playfully but hard, and said, "I didn't mean YOU."

(Which, she obviously did.)

I was afraid there might be some walkers flying soon, but luckily, the women walked away and we got our meal.

I guess you never outgrow meanness, even if you are pushing ninety.

Thanks from Sara M.

I've got just a few more names to add to that thanks!

One big thanks to Mrs. Emily Farrell. Way back in the spring of 2008, Mrs. Farrell let me bring the concept of 'Memoirs' into her creative writing class to do a workshop with her kids. The stories we received from her high school students make up some of the most intriguing, gripping, and openly honest parts of the finished book. She's a terrific teacher and friend!

Also, thanks to all my friends who turned out to show their support for the book: Lisa and Dave Baxter, Marybeth and Jen Kraus, Robert Repino, Whitney Deeney, Bonnie Frederick, and Mandy Cook. And, of course, a big thanks to Mr. Ajit Jain. :)