The Old Man & the Cart

Years back--and I mean before Punchy was born, nearly a decade ago--I signed up at church to help w "In a Pinch," if someone is homebound and needs a ride to church or to the doctor, etc. I somehow also got it mixed up with the group that fills and delivers holiday baskets for those in need....you know, with turkeys, hams, cranberry sauce and stuffing mix.

I guess I was pretty relieved that I never got a call, especially after baby Punch arrived, Dad got sick and other things happened.

About a month ago, my number was up. And I met Ed, a man of a certain age who has a few of us lined up to take him to the doctor [he has a serious illness and goes often], Mass, ShopRite, CVS.

My day is Wednesday and I usually pick Ed up from his apartment, drop him at the doctor in the next town, pick him up and take him home. I go back to my home office and work in between, and finish up in time to meet Punch at the bus stop at 4. Sometimes, it's a short dr appt, and I wait in my car and work.

Right now, Ed is in ShopRite getting his Greek yogurt. He's driving one of the store's motorized carts, wearing a black fur hat I admire and a camel wool winter coat. Eyeglasses, sturdy brown shoes. He always smells clean, like soap. He didn't want me to go in with him, so I'm waiting in my car.

Ed seems like a pretty healthy eater--blueberries, peaches, etc. He grew up in Montclair and knows the town well. I haven't had the heart to ask if he ever married or had kids, and he hasn't said.

I better sign off. He should be coming out soon. It's a little complicated today, because Figgy also wanted to use the car around 3:30 and it doesn't look like that will happen...