Too many pockets

I saw a great thing between an old couple today. I was in a Doctor's waiting room for an appointment for Lydia. A 5 month old with a cold, at nap time was just a little stressful. Surprisingly enough, we were on time, so as we waited and watched everyone in the waiting room (even those who had arrived after me) called in for their appointments, Lydia ramped up the crabby and we bounced and swayed. This couple most likely in their 80's checked in and took a seat on a couch to wait. The wife was maybe five feet tall and shrunken as age insists on doing to women. Her husband was tall and had the large hands, ears and nose which seems to be the gift of years to men. They both had white hair. Hers in a neat little 'do. His flapping around on top after being out in the wind. I think the appointment was his, and they were looking at the paperwork needed together.


He began to search for something in his pockets, patting , digging and lifting his coat and vest. He mumbled something about having too many pockets. Soon after she asked him if he'd found it yet, and with a sly smile told him,


"The problem is, you've got too many pockets."


He responded, "You know, I've got too many pockets."


Without being able to hear the tone of the conversation, it could seem to be the words of two people that weren't listening to each other or the onset of a shortened memory. What I heard seemed to be an ongoing joke between the two about this man and his numerous pockets. I could have been reading into it, seeing what I wanted to see, but it made me grin and laugh to myself. As I overheard them, I wanted to know their story. How do you make each other laugh after so long? How did you make it through your tough stuff (because I know they had to have it) and come out enjoying each other's company? Maybe someday I will be brave enough to be that crazy lady who asks complete strangers extremely personal questions. This was not that day.


I want to be crazy in love with my husband when I am old. I am now, and have no plans for it to be any other way. We have talked about wanting to live a "magical" life. Hard stuff happens. I know that. I want to do well with it. Life is hard enough without making it harder with stupid choices and heartbreak you can avoid. I never want to knowingly do something that hurts this best friend of mine in any way. The magic comes with living your life with someone else on your mind.