Judy Gomberg puts a funny, heartfelt and humorous spin on being a boomer. She beautifully captures the songs of our lives as our memories grow longer, deeper and stronger.
We’ve just been introduced. I do not know you well. But when the cards were shuffled. Something drew me to your side. I sensed we could be friends. Share a joke or two. It made me think we might be— Similarly occupied.
Shall we play? Tra la la Shall we still sit together, And depend upon each other? On a clear understanding that we signal with the 7’s? remember to count aces. Shall we play? Shall we play- shall we play?
Shall we play? Tra la la Shall we turn on the music, Shall we try? Shall we go down with four jokers and hope our partner matches. And just go for a mere per chance. With a clear understanding that this kind of thing can happen, shall we try and then try and then try.
When the last little 3 has left the deck. Shall we still play together, Staying tethered to the table And show up with a poker face?
Cause we know we are better. For engaging one another So we played and we played and we tried.
Life on life’s terms. One step forward two steps back. The question as the years of isolation from the pandemic fade in our rear view mirrors is -can we recover experiences and deepen relationships now that we can be tactile again?
We are racing against time with rapid fire speed. The aging process often feels lopsided. Some days we feel frayed at the edges. Our activities on the daily were often done in knee jerk fashion. Some days our knee just jerks.
Day dreaming is a wonderful panacea. The year is 1963. We are starting camp the next day. We lay out our new sneakers, chose a pair of “pedal pushers” and a sweat shirt we got at Ginsburgs and one of the many tee shirts we bought at Alexanders in Paramus. Ah, we remember it well. Not unlike the first day of school, camp offered unparalleled excitement coupled with a grouping of will I meet new friends feelings. With our camp bag complete we get ready for bed. We finish reading one of our favorite Nancy Drew books, The Secret of the Old Clock, turn off our record player that was spinning a 78 Johnny Mathis album and ”Get Misty” as we shut the lights. Euphoric recall is medicinal and certainly helps minimize the startling tone of the in our face senior moments, that turn into years. This is a defining moment for cleaning out our figurative closet. What shall stay and who shall go? My take away is that there is a religious and spiritual component where forgiveness and celebration hold court. The central theme of Yom Kippur is distinguished by atonement, renewal and amends. On New Year’s Eve we make resolutions to change our ways, add promises to do more.
As we find ourselves on the precipice of unknowing chapters coming our way fast and furiously -let’s fill the empty space that we made room for in our closets for those rainy days with prayers and promises. We will try not to stumble over the count our Blessings adages we clicked so many glasses to. Tap into “Accentuate the positives.”
Oh, hey Lionel Ritchie this time we are going to “Make the Magic last for more than just night.” Let’s do it Monday.
When guns have more rights than women. We march to gain control. Our bodies, ourselves, our credo. We stand united and determined and yell. Overturning our dignity. The fire, the fury, the horror. We beg to know the “why’s.” We sit and wipe our sorrow. Children shot dead in the school yard. Our constitutional rights dispelled. In a huge destructive hand-basket, Our world has gone to Hell.
The safety of your harbor. Your crescent shaped appeal. Could fill bottomless pit emptiness. We really had some deal. Your allure and all your glamour. From every pillar to every post. Almost on the daily you proved the consummate host. The streets were jammed with clamour. Central Park our landing pad of choice. We rarely missed an opening. So many opportunities to rejoice. Shared songs at your great venues. Danced on too many floors to count.
There never was a question. You were where we did belong.
The seasons changed with such panache. The leaves, the snow and the flowers they did bloom. Our frowns would turn to smiles. Never sat with doom or gloom.
Your restaurants encouraged our palette. Started with foie grois ended with chocolate soufflé. Never missed an opportunity to window shop and stray. As we collected a lifetime of memories. Full-filled so many dreams. It’s time to say we’ll see you. On the road our show we’ll take. We are packing stacks of pleasure. On the wonder you create. Hit it. “From the very heart of it New York, New York. If we made it here, we’ll make it anywhere… With ❤️
And just like that he left for Home. All the while we believed Home is where the left over stuffed derma is. Was it that there was too much cooked celery in the chicken soup? Perhaps he found too many bounce dryer sheets stuck to his socks in his drawer? Could it be the half and half wasn’t fat free? She racked her brain trying to come up with a sound reason she was left behind to negotiate The Boys parking lot by herself? So she rearranged her mindset, left an extra house key in the car and knew if she got the chicken in the pot from 3ggg’s she was covered for dinner the next two nights.
He left her the buy one get one flyer from Lucille’s Barbecue in case she wanted ribs one night. For the next 7 days Amazon was her plus one go to. Paper goods left in front, hopefully the day they’re delivered it won’t rain. Ok then now what? Netflix, perhaps? Finishing the book for the next book club? Indeed a possibility. In an attempt to keep busy during her solo ride she packed a bag for a destination beach day. She included her air pods, zinc oxide for her lips and a turkey sandwich for lunch, no mayo, could spoil in the heat. Well that will take care of a day in his absence. On the way home, while listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, she stopped at Glicks for a container of soup and a six pack of Dr. Brown’s Diet Cherry Soda. Counting moments dinner by dinner. Interesting. Back to the check off list for when the garbage is picked up and to make sure to leave the housekeeper money on Wednesday. She’s covered on heavy items i.e. bottles of water and Tide Detergent. No worries, all good, yes freezer is full. Who knows a little time apart in the absence makes the heart…fashion could be good.
So she took a left on to Jog after what seemed like a long wait, pulled into Town Center for a little shopping therapy only to realize it was only 8:45. Next stop the bagel place at the (OMG) counter for one seat. An everything bagel with a schmear- often a comfort food panacea. With a little time to go until Neimans opens CVS is a good time filler. One can never have too much Calamine lotion for those middle of the night leg itches. My take away on Home Alone, after a glued to the hip time together especially during the Pandemic days is that keeping busy is key. They are having a Bingo Game in our community. Buying some new dabbers at the Big Apple flea market on Atlantic can help pass the time until life goes back to Two for the Road. No worries I got this week covered.
Hit it Henry Mancini Two for the Road
If you’re feeling fancy free. Come wander through the world with me. And any place we chance to be, Will be a rendez-vous. Two for the road. We’ll travel down the years. Collecting precious memories- Selecting souvenirs. And living life the way we please. In summertime the sun will shine. In winter we’ll drink summer wine. And everyday that you are mine Will be a lovely day. As long as love still wears a smile. I know that we’ll be two for the road. And that’s a long, long while. As long as love still wears a smile. I know that we’ll be two for the road And that’s a long, long while.
Calling all first time nine hole-rs. You’re only as good as your last shot. Is it just the positioning-or the synergy between you and the club. Or all of the above- or not? Forget about precision. Focus on one thing at a time. Just go out there have fun, you will do just fine.
“The time has come The Walrus said. To talk of many things.”
Is it your eye on the ball, or the follow through, or simply the strength of your swing?
The further you hit the ball. The more you’ll double down. Outdoors and 9 holes breezy. Or 18 as in chai. Plant your feet on the course, hit a putt in just two. Count blessings you’re out there learning something brand new. Phew!
arosebyanyothername2016 