Do you ever get that little voice whispering to you that something is wrong, right or just a message of comfort? Maybe “strange” things happen and you feel it is message just for you. Well, I think I’m supposed to either learn a lesson or share this story with someone because I’ve heard it three times this week. So, here it is…
One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about eighty years old, came along with them — all in all, a pleasant bunch.
When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, “Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.”
I wasn’t sure my ears heard right and the others were aghast. “Along with heated apple pie,” Jim added, completely unabashed.
We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn’t enjoy mine.
I couldn’t take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn’t believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.
The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait. I smiled. He asked if he amused me and I answered, “Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?”
He laughed and said “I’m tasting all that is possible. I try to eat the food I need and do the things I should. But life’s so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven’t been this old before. So, before I die, I’ve got to try those things that for years I had ignored.”
I listened and he continued.
“I haven’t smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven’t fished. There’s more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are too many golf courses I haven’t played. I’ve not laughed at all the jokes. I’ve missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want untimed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven’t cried at all the movies yet or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.”
Without missing a beat, he said, “So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I’d say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart’s desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.”
With that, I called the waitress over. “I’ve changed my mind,” I said. “I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!”
Wasn’t that a lovely story? Do you have a favorite dessert?
Punkydoo Kids says
Made my grandson's favorite cheesecake for his birthday called Chocolate Candy Explosion. It's wonderful with every favorite chocolate candy on it.
Mama Penguin says
Thank you for this story, I'm not sure how or where just yet, but this story really touches me heart. I try to think about this every time I'm upset or frustrated, it's just a moment in time, and I need to relish the moment I have now, because sometimes we just don't get to do things over.
Great story Red,
ps. My favorite desert at the moment is cheesecake 🙂 or Hot Fudge Cake!
Gypsy says
What a great story. Nevermind that my latest post was about losing weight. lol!
BTW, my favorite dessert is, has and always will be apple pie!
Katina says
My favorite dessert is Homemade Pound Cake!!! Awarding you a Sunshine Blog Award Monday!!!
katlupe says
Awesome post!!! I loved it so much that I read it to my hubby. I have to think what my favorite dessert is. It changes constantly. Summertime desserts seem to be ice cream or strawberry shortcake. So now I am thinking……….which I will have for tonight???
Gretchen Seefried says
Tomorrow we will all go to Springers for sundaes for lunch. We started this tradition more than ten years ago when I was at the shore with my 4 kids and their dad couldn't make it for the 4th. I wanted to do something to make the day special-so we playground hopped every playground on the island and ended up at the ice cream place. Dessert instead of lunch and birthday cake for breakfast has always been a good reminder to savor the special stuff- yes especially the stuff with sugar!
PJ says
Hey girl1 My 3 favorite foods are: FRIED oysters, Guacamole Salad, and Strawberry Shortcake with whipped cream. I can't say how well they would taste in combination, but if it were my LAST meal, that's what I would ask for triple on the strawberry shortcake with whipped cream!
Love ya bunches!
PJ
?¨`*•.?Rocío?.•*¨`? says
Mmmm my favorite dessert is NY cheese cake!!!
Anonymous says
Mmmm my favorite dessert is NY cheese cake!!!
Jerry says
Your friend Jim is wise indeed. I think we should all pay attention to him.
Lou Belcher says
Don't know when I had whipped cream last. Great message to apply immediately.
Thanks