You must be kidding. It’s really rather nauseating, Ben the barista decided, watching the man and woman hold hands as they walked toward the back of the café.
This exact same scenario had occurred every day over the past three weeks. What’s she see in him? Ben wondered.
The man appeared to be a shy scarecrow, similar to the character in that old movie Ben’s girlfriend, Liz, made him watch. What was it called? Oh yeah, Wizard of Oz. Liz called the movie a classic. He called it booorrriing. But Liz cuddled with him on Ben’s soft brown couch as they watched the old (old) movie, so who was he to complain?
As the couple approached a table, the scarecrow man pulled out a chair for the woman, like guys used to do in old movies. She sat, primly, knees together. Ben’s co-worker brought the order to the table, and the woman sipped her hot chocolate as if it was bourbon on ice.
Ben shook his head. Oh no, did that really just happen? The scarecrow placed his hand on the table, and the lady placed her hand on top of his. Yuck! Who did they think they were? Teenagers?
Ben went back to his work, filling orders for three cappuccinos, two coffees, a Masala chai, a caffe mocha, and two Frappuccinos. But then he looked up at just the wrong time.
WHAT! He was so disgusted that he wondered if he should kick the couple out. But these days, with everything so P.C., he’d probably get in trouble. But what would the customers think? Ben swiveled his head from side to side. No one else seemed to notice, but how could anyone not see this. . . . this . . . abomination?
The kiss lasted a long time, at least Ben thought so. But the lady leaned back in her chair afterwards with a crooked smile. The man leaned toward her and placed his hand on her face, which had more wrinkles than Ben could count. Both of them had to be at least 70. They were as old as his grandparents, for cripe’s sake.
Ben returned to the iced white chocolate mocha he was making. What was this world coming to, he wondered. Old people, in love.
He whipped out his phone quickly, hoping his boss didn’t see him. “Hey Liz, any other old movie you want to watch tonight?” he texted.
Great story. The final para an excellent ending – with the nice detail of hoping his boss wouldn’t see. (I was 67, Jackie 62, and grandparents when we met again after almost 40 years apart 🙂 )
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Love improves with age! 💗
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🙂
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Is this story about you? 🙂
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Could be 🙂
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Love is not just for the young. Great story.
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Lots of ageism still abounds. I say that any of us over 50 should start kissing our honeys more often out in public. Let’s change the viewpoint! 🙃😊
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this is a wonderful and uplifting story for any age
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Thanks Beth. There should be no prejudice in love-no matter the race gender or age! 💙
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Exactly!
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So sweet! I’m glad Ben had an awakening. 😀
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I think Ben may need to get another 30 years on him before he truly understands mature love… 😁💕
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😀
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Ah…the grasshopper sees the light. My heart melts when I see an elderly couple displaying affection. Love wins no matter the age! Sweet story, Pam. xo
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One wonders why we don’t see more older couples hugging and holding hands and kissing in public. I think we need to start a love-in for seniors! 😂👏💕
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Come to my parents place! ❤
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This gives me the warm fuzzies all over. ❤
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The young simply would not understand love in the time of old age. What a lovely story!
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There may be more of us than of the young set. Let’s show them how it’s done! 😚🥰
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Another fun and believable story. Ain’t love grand!
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Love is grand and even grander the longer you’re in it. 💗💖💕
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Love is ageless!☺️
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And thank GOODness for everlasting (and OLD) love! xo
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You got that scene right out of reality! Recently had dinner out with my 96 year old two day a week golf playing friend. Since I’m only 83, we must look quite the couple out on a date in public. COVID took dating off the to do list until last week when restaurants opened. I felt like a relic when a middle aged woman came up to us and said: you guys are so cute, and wow, look, he even is wearing a jacket to dinner.
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What a WONDERFUL scene, Jeanette. You should have shocked the “younger set” some more and planted a big kiss on your friend. I dislike it when younger people say to those more mature: “don’t you look cute” as if being elderly turns you into children or something unable to show and express true love (and friendship). Sigh. Here’s to swiping away the patronizing looks and showing what true affection and intimacy look like. 🙂 ❤
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You are so wonderful to respond to your responders. Love you much!
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I love this! Yes, even in our 70s, we know the feeling of the room lighting up when our love walks in.
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Isn’t that grand, Elizabeth? To you and your long-time sweetie. ❤
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Thanks for the chuckles and heart smiles Pam. Another delightful story and nice way to start my day. I’m ready for some old love! 😍
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Go for it, Brad! Old love (more experienced we can say, or more mature) is the best love! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks Pam! 🙂 🧡
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Nicely done!
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Thank you, John.
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It’s so sad when elderly people have lost the love of their life and spend the rest of their years alone, so reading about older people being in love is really sweet. Love only becomes more precious as we age. I think a lot of young people mistake lust for love and it takes a long time for them to figure out the difference.
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Good point, Annelil. Lust is nice when coupled with love, but in the end, love that lasts and lasts is beautiful. I think it should be heralded more often. xo
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Totally agree!
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Made me smile. 😊
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Smiles are my intention. That and the realization that we ALL love, no matter our age. ❤
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I’m always so touched to see an elderly couple displaying such affection for one another. Perhaps the young man is seeing the light?
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Sue, I think those of us over 50 and up should be more open about showing affectionate, intimate love. In other words, let’s show a bit of PDA (public displays of affection) and show how LOVE makes the world go round (in the most wonderful ways…)
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Love is evergreen Pam, it deepens with time. Your story perfectly validates the value of love. I wonder why youngsters think love is just for teenagers!
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Youngsters fail to appreciate people/couples who are older than they are by decades. And perhaps it’s time for those of us who have “been around the block” a time or two to show some of our true love moves. 🙂
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Loved it! Jill W. says it for me as well.
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Let’s show those grasshoppers a thing or two, Bill Ray! 🙂
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I remember hearing people say when I was growing up, “What’s she see in him?” I’m glad Mom didn’t say that about my husband, then boyfriend.
As to your story, it’s all about how the couple make each other feel, I believe. Looks & age probably have very little to do with it. My walking partner, now in her eighties, admits to intimacy with a man her age. (Insert giggle)
Well, now. . .
A noble nod to such a timely story, Pam!
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This is what I love about walking with a friend – no matter the age. We share such intimate details, feeling safe as our feet hit the pavement or trail. 🙂 Good for your friend. Funny how young people think that sex ends at middle age. HA. What little they know. Here’s to intimacy and mature love – nothing to do with looks, everything to do with the “inside” of each. ❤
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Yeah, Pam, we like doing things like that in front of our young granddaughters just to gross them out. One day, long after we’re gone, they’ll reflect back on their time with us and realize the treasure that was ours.
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Ohhh, I can just see you two canoodling in front of your grandkiddies, letting them squirm. Good for you! And yes, at some point in their life your lesson of how love ages, like fine wine, will return to them and they’ll smile and nod. ❤
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A heartwarming story, Pamela. Being 80 myself, I think the young lad has a lot to learn. 😁
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Don’t you still have one month left? 😉
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Yup. My 80th coming up. 😁
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I know 🙂 And I know EXACTLY when 🙂
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Ohhh, do tell, Dale. We need to send lots of celebratory good wishes to John for at least 20 (30?) more good years. And John, isn’t it fun, realizing how much more we know about LOVE than those young “whippersnappers”?
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Let’s just say it’s a little over a month away…😁
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😁 Inspector Clouseau I presume. (I know I told you.)
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You’ve been in my calendar for years, Boss!
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Such a sweet story ~ of course love is good at any age. We were sure you were about to mention that she was the “foam to the cappuccino of their lives together”… Hahaha.
Wven in our sixties when we go to yoga together now that I have silver hair like Ben, we often get the “aw aren’t you guys so cute?” 🙂
Really like the way you highlighted the shock and awe that older people might have displays of public affection! Good story!
Peta & Ben
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Haha. I would have added the “borrowed” foam to my cappuccino comment but had to watch my word count (and worry about copyright protection?) 🙂 Would have been perfect here though, for sure. Don’t you dislike the rather patronizing “you guys are so cute?” comments, as if deep love is only for the young. Sigh. I hope you give each other a big kisseroo at the end of Shavasana!
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Great love story… classic and contagious! ❤ Love it! xo
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Love this, Bette. YES, “mature” love is classic and perhaps we should show it off more, and hope it does become contagious! xo
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I’m with you, Pam! ❤
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Perfect story for the times, Pam.
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Thanks, Jacqui. The story is fictional but really, I’m afraid the attitude about elderly love is not. So… here’s to some PDA!! ❤
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Perfect timing with the age reveals, Pam! One of my favorite lines was, “the woman sipped the hot chocolate as if it was bourbon on ice.” If I saw any couple doing this, regardless of age, I’d think it was sweet. That’s a lot more romantic than two young people engrossed in their phones, having conversations with people who aren’t in front of them.
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Perfect comment, Pete. My guy and I just returned from a long walk all around Boston this morning (gorgeous spring day) and we watched the young couples sitting on park benches, each strolling through their phones, not touching or talking to each other. What a waste! Here’s to PDA for those of us who know how to pay attention to each other – in love. ❤
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Beautiful writing (as always)!
Last year, our son’s girlfriend casually mentioned that she had been curious so Googled if people could still have sex when they were REALLY OLD — like 70, she said by way of example. True story – and she wasn’t a kidder! 😦
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OH. My. Goodness Gracious. I guess you had to laugh at your son’s girlfriend’s comment? Not act shocked or dismayed? I’d have been tempted to grab my guy and give him a looooonnnnnnnnnnggggg smooch right in front of the “young people.” Haha. Perhaps that’s your plan soon, huh? GO FOR IT! 🙂 ❤
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I love this story! I would love to have an old fashioned love like this. I think it’s every woman’s dream. Poor youngsters. They don’t get it yet.
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Ohhh, Marlene. Yes, how I’d like to know the history behind this older couple, smooching in the back of the café. Is their love old, or new? Does it matter? Love is love is love. And those mature lovers are not only lucky, I think they know it. ❤
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A lovely episode, Pam.
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Thanks Robbie! ❤
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Nothing warms my heart more than to see older couples canoodling! There should never be an age limit for love.
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There IS no age limit for love. Just ageism and lack of imagination for those younger. Dale – love is just around the corner. Can you see it? ❤
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It IS! Right over there. I can see it. 💞
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😍👏
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The funniest line for me: Both of them had to be at least 70.
As Oliver Wendell Holmes said (at age 92): “What I wouldn’t give to be 70 again.” 😀
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You come up with such great quotes, Nancy. And this one is a keeper. Thanks for sharing. To being young, no matter how old we are. xo
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I’ve collected quotes for a LONG time . . . but not quite 70 years yet. 😆
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I thought that might be the reveal, Pam. Funny how we never outgrow the need for an enjoyment of love. I hope that romance is part of elder years. And Ben needs to get a life. LOL. He’ll learn. ❤
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If Ben doesn’t learn quickly, he’s not gonna have a romantic life, that’s for sure! 😆 Probably one of the worst phrases that humans use about themselves is, “well at my age I can’t…” Ohhh yes you can! 😍👍💕
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Love the ending — Ben is a softie at heart! Love to watch older couples hold hands — so sweet! But, that’s me know, if Ben thinks 70 is old.
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I think we all remember that when we were 20, 40 was old! It’s all in the perspective isn’t it? Here’s to love at all ages. 💜
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Great story! I couldn’t figure out what was getting poor Ben so upset. Good thing he saw the light at the end. I hope my husband and I are still kanoodling when we are even older and more wrinkled than we are now 🙂
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Make it so, Janis! Canoodling forever. 💖💕
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Enjoyed the story. I wonder why youngsters are shocked to see PDA of the elderly 😊
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They have no imagination! 😚
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😆
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Sweet, sweet, sweet! I wonder whether there is a fiction genre called “Old Romance”. 🙂
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I figure romance is romance is romance, at any age. But you have a good thought there, Liesbet. Lots of readers over the age of 50+ waiting for books that highlight “older love.” 🙂
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Loved this, Pamela:) Love is for any age but I think it grows with time.
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I think you are absolutely right! ❤
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Such a beautiful story.
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Thanks for enjoying a bit of “old” love. Great having you here.
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Yeah! Pam, I’m loving how your story champions the rights of those in love in older years! I can’t help smiling as Ben is squirming at the signs of affection between the couple. Your description of the guy and their gentle touching of hands, long kiss and his hands on her face is so touching and endearing. Beautifully and tenderly portrayed! The story has a terrific ending and I reckon Ben will need to watch a LOT of old films and live a lot more before he fully appreciates love. Hope his girlfriend is patient!
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Ben’s girlfriend, I’m afraid, is going to have to be VERY patient, ’cause I have a feeling he’s a slow learner. But, maybe love with Liz will help him grow up in a hurry, and realize that there is no A (age) in L O V E. ❤
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Hahaha, Pam, this story is brilliant. I count the number of kisses my hubby gave me each time, it’s a lot and a lot. At least he is not doing it at a restaurant. But who cares except Ben?
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Nothing like an affectionate hubby, and you’re fortunate to have one, Miriam. So I suggest – show a little of that love the next time you two go out to a restaurant or café (can you yet? once vaccinated??). Those under a certain age need to be educated about the beauty of mature love. ❤
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I laughed at this comment, Pam. I’m fortunate, but unfortunately hubby is a very private person. He holds my hand all the time but that’s about it in public. 💖😍
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My guy is the same way. But they say you can teach an old dog new tricks 😆
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I believe that, Pam. I have patience and do it in 1 mm increment! 🙂
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🙂 Now you have me laughing…
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Shhhh, it’s a secret! 😅
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🤫
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Beautifully done, Pam. Love the ending. No one is every too old for love or express their love to each other. I like how you subtly teased out the different ways we can show love – out in public without a care in the world, or more privately behind closed doors such as on the coach. A bit of love always, always makes us feel better 😊
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Thanks so much for your comment, Mabel. Always fabulous to have you here. And yes, NEVER too old for kisses and love. Most of us are probably private about love-kisses, but after realizing how Ben (and other ones like him) think about “old love,” I’d suggest those over 50 start doing some more PDA (public display of affection). 🙂
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Old love, new love, love is love. It’s such a wonderful feeling ❤
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Nice twist at the end!
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Thanks – to love no matter the age. ❤
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Didn’t see it coming that the couple were old; or well, 70 years old (so that not to call them old — P. C world after all!)
Nice story though!
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“Old” is all in the perspective! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed.
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A sweet and inspiring story, Pam. Love it! ❤
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Hi Carol! To “age-old love.” 😊
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The young will always find older people in love embarrassing, but Ben will be lucky to find such love in his own life! I was just thinking reading this that I rarely see couples kissing in public these days (I’m talking before the days of Coronavirus!)
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I know, Andrea, and what a shame. This world needs more love, not less! Here’s to some healthy PDA.
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Pam, I feel like you took a snapshot of my husband and I sharing time together. Ha, ha, nice to see a young whippersnapper inspired. Love withstands the test of time.❤️
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I can’t believe I just saw this comment. Darn tooting this is “us” – the “mature generation” hanging out at the café. More power to us!
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Great story, and it made me think of the old saying “youth…wasted on young folks.” 🙂
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I know, So I figure we “old(er) folks” need to love like we’re young! 🙂
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At least Ben isn’t totally ignorant! LOL. Nice, Pam, and a sweet tribute to love at every age.
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Thank you for reading my age-inspired story. I think the older we get, the more we should hug…and kiss. 🙂 xo
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https://activistwritersug.wordpress.com/2021/07/04/the-expedition-online-talk-show/
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