Neil and Audrey...

Dennis and I arrived back in town Friday evening after three weeks of travel. I've been in and out, but Dennis was gone the full three weeks, so it was good to be back "home" together. A Panera breakfast seemed to be a good way to start a mid-morning Saturday. We both had a few things to work on - Dennis a sermon, me finances - so we grabbed our computers to get some things done while sipping on our coffee.

Still feeling hungry after eating a breakfast sandwich that was a bit smaller in size than the usual, I revisited the line to order a pumpkin muffin to finish out the remainder of my hazelnut coffee. Still standing in line a voice from behind caught my attention. It was Neil greeting me with a hug and his usual smile. I use to run into Neil and Audrey every so often in Panera. It was always a delight. It was such a shock when Audrey passed away eight months ago. Now my heart always droops a bit when I see Neil out and about alone. I know how much he loved Audrey.

I loved watching Neil and Audrey. After 57 years of marriage they were still in love. In fact, one time while I was in Panera the same time they were, a man in one of the booths stopped me as I was passing by and asked me if I knew the "cute little couple" as he motioned toward Neil and Audrey. I affirmed that I did. He explained how he had been watching them interact and how meaningful it was to him. He then handed me a Panera gift card and asked if I would give it to them after he left. Of course I said I would. Audrey opened the card giving a little giggle as she read "to a cute little couple."

I returned to the booth with Dennis after purchasing my muffin and I watched Neil find a table to read the paper and eat his toast alone. Dennis saw my look of empathy. With a knowing smile he said, "Tell Neil I'll loan you to him for a little while." I took my coffee and muffin and sat down across from him.

Neil immediately folded up his paper and the conversation flowed. We talked of grief and marriage and children and family and love and faith and friendship. It must have been a half hour before we thought we had taken enough of each others time. I returned with tear-filled eyes as I slid into the booth with Dennis. He took my hand and for a few seconds we met eyes. My heart was warmed... for love and marriage and family and children and faith and friendship.