Reality Checks

As my wife and I sat in A&W yesterday we were young again.

It was 44 years and 6 months ago that we went on our first “date” to an A&W in Regina, Saskatchewan. A&W is a fast food place that serves hamburgers and fries. The “car hop” came out to our vehicle to take our order and then returned with a metal tray that hung on the driver’s side window. Together we each had a large glass mug of root beer with some French fries.

Talk about a flash back. I smiled as we sat there with warm memories of the past. Then the reality settled in with a simple story.

My wife had been baby-sitting for our daughter. That meant simply being with Emma and Clifford while mom and dad were at a meeting. The kids both had some home work and were working at getting it done when Grandma arrived.

As my wife came to Emma to help her with her spelling and grammar, Emma was now writing sentences to show her knowledge of the use of the words. One word was “pretty”. Emma looked at Grandma and then back at her paper. Emma then grinned and said, “My Grandma is pretty… for her age.”

Emma is 8 years old this coming Sunday - Feb 4th. Grandma and Grandpa are older people – but pretty good for their age.

The twinkle in the eye of this fiery little lady is so much like her Grandma.

Not long ago in another A&W I sat with Emma and ate our French fries and sipped some root beer. As I looked at her clear skin and the strand of hair hanging across her forehead – there was my wife again – only much younger.

I guess everyone needs a reality check from time to time.

Happy Birthday Emma…and Grandma – you sure are pretty for your age!

Respectfully submitted on this cold winter’s morning.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~