I needed to go to the grocery store this afternoon. I had been outside a couple of times earlier, and knew it was sunny, but a bit chilly. So I dressed appropriately.
On went my winter coat though I didn’t bother with a sweater underneath it. Just a heavy tee shirt. Lined winter cap, of course. When you’re bald, it can be a necessity on even the nicest day in July.
I thought about my winter boots, but as the snow was almost gone, decided to take a chance and put on my running shoes instead. My heavy woolen socks would protect me, I thought. Living dangerously, I left my winter gloves behind.
At the store, when I got out of the car, there was a strong breeze so I zipped up my coat and was glad for it. Threw up the hood over my cap and made my way to the entrance.
Once inside the big building, I realized the air conditioning was running and was happy to snuggle into my seasonally appropriate clothing. And the first person I (almost) ran into, was a young, twenty-something guy. And I immediately felt sorry for him. You would have too.
This poor fella had no coat on at all. With his full head of hair, he wore no cap. And shockingly, he had on only a thin tee shirt and, I almost fainted, a pair of shorts. Running shoes and NO SOCKS. I thought of lending him my coat, but didn’t want to interfere. Some day, I hope, he’ll realize how to dress himself on a normal Day 25 of March in Canada.
It was cold in the freezer section of the store as I searched for the eggs we needed. And when I got home, I lay myself down for a long, afternoon nap. I was cozy. Three nice blankets on the bed and the space heater going.
I finally drifted off. Still fretting about the Lord Godiva I had almost bumped into at the store.
I was thankful and felt sorry for him.
When I woke up, I cooked myself up a very warm bowl of soup. Grabbed my laptop and reading glasses and caught up on the news.
And I thought, another few months I’ll be walking around in shorts and tee-shirts like that young guy at the store. Maybe a light jacket. And straw hat. Running shoes. Thin pair of socks.
With age, it seems, comes wisdom. And no end of clothing. My mother would be proud of me. If I ever make it to a beach on a south seas island, I promise myself I will dress like Lord Godiva.
©2024 Jim Hagarty
