I attended a coffee group recently for the first time and told one of my real long stories. I kept stopping to answer questions or laugh at reactions and then I'd say, 'where was I?' They'd remind me and when I couldn't remember names one of the guys would make one up' "Let's call this friend Tammy." Before we adjourned I indicated my desire to join the group. After a few snarky remarks I was awarded a membership and I breathed a sigh of relief that my extra long story did not dissuade them.
In my past, I have had coffee with coworkers, fellow teachers and sometimes groups of coaches meet up for an end of season adult beverage but this is my first coffee group. At least in terms of its objective which appears to be 'a place to socialize.'
A very nice couple from the Flex ad Balance class at The Summit invited my exercise partner and I to join them one morning. I guess we passed some sort of test because we had exercised with them twice a week for some time before the invite came. The group make up is interesting; a guy whose last name rhymes with bottle seems to be the leader and sometimes his quiet wife joins us. Also, the brother of a coach I am familiar with seems to be Bottle's wing man. And there is another exercise group member who is a kick in the pants. We laugh a lot.
They all seem to be long term Kalispellians except the people who extended the invite. They are from Maine and new to the area so we find ourselves explaining things the rest of us just know. Everyone is very nice and seem to intuitively know about my memory and physical issues. It may be because they read the article about me in the local paper. But, I prefer to think they are just nice people.
After watching my mother isolate herself as she aged, I realize being around other people is very important. Coffee with these new friends also helps with my depression issues as it gives me something to look forward to. Yes, they are all older than me because I am young to be retired. And you can bet I use that to my advantage whenever possible.
