To bloody old

[Steve Cassani]

This spring I stopped at a gift and record store in Bozeman. Having selected several off-beat greeting cards I walked to the desk. A charming young lady greeted me, prepared the bill and turned to me, in my sixties, with a hesitant look on her face. She carried a number of colorful tatoos and she dressed cleverly, displaying all that she might while at work. Silver was everywhere: eyebrows, nose, cheeks, lip and, to my wandering eye, tongue. She anticipated disapproval but I sought to return the suprise. Without warning, I invited, "Walk with me a moment" and held out my hand. She returned the gesture, more out of instinct than interest. I led her to the morning sun in the doorway to the shop.

A ray spilled over her face. The silver shone, then twinkled as she caught on to what this old guy was up to. Flattered, she relaxed to make the smile one she meant me to see. "Magnificent." Crushed, she wrapped me in a hug and whispered in my ear, "Steady your heart old guy. You've already made room for mine."

Sometimes, if I you think how others in your generation act in a situation and strive hard to present something original, you get a special reward.