Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Yeah, I'll take dying in my sleep, thanks

Occasionally our neighbors gather for a summer potluck. There is an older man who always attends; he's more than 90 and lives alone--and a bit lonely since his wife died several years ago. He's always in good spirits at these events and basks in the attention of kids and adults alike.

At one such party, he started choking on a hunk of meat. Luckily for him, there were several doctors in attendance. One of them Heimliched the man and he was soon fine again, although those of us who witnessed all this were shaken.

As the party drew to a close another neighbor said goodbye to Mr. G., giggled, and noted "Glad you are OK! That would have been an awful way to go, after you've lived this long!"

Oh yes, she did.

Jen's post inspired Magpie's which inspired mine. Are you next?

12 comments:

Shonda Little said...

OH my gawd!

Katie Kermeen Swisher said...

Um yeah...I would totally say something like that, then I would spend weeks fretting about what a jerk I made of myself!

Marinka said...

I'm never going to another party again. Or eating any meat. Or talking to people.

Magpie said...

Oh, lord - she really said that? People.

Girlplustwo said...

i love it.

Mandy said...

Some people have a real way with words. ;)

Heather said...

Yeah, I'm fairly certain I'd say something dumb like that and realize what I'm saying just a split second too late. It's a talent.

Vodka Mom said...

that cracks me up. Usually I'M the one with my foot in my mouth. huh

Julie Marsh said...

Good gravy.

the mama bird diaries said...

That is hilarious. Oh my goodness.

Patois42 said...

An older couple without children had a get together a few years back, when my kids were under 6 or 7. A neighbor boy, about the same age, was a wild one, for sure. You could tell the panicked hostess had wished she hadn't invited entire families when she spotted him coming up her stairs, but the deed was done. Everyone with kids was hustled to the side of their house, in the darkness, while all the others partied hard in the house. We didn't stay but 10 minutes.

I keyed her car the next day.

Not really. I just wanted to.

I loved your story. Truly a fun read.

Lady M said...

What a cheerful thought! Ha.