Romeo, Romeo
Chuck had a pleasant conversation with his new friend Barney who’d recently turned ninety.
“It would be wonderful to see more of you,” Barney said.
Chuck agreed. “We ought to get together for coffee some weekday since we’re both retired. How about meeting downtown at Starbucks on a Friday morning?”
The men picked a time and then said good-bye. Chuck was aware of how quickly time was passing. It was important to stay in touch with people he cared about, and Barney was one of them. “We never know how much time we have left to socialize with good friends,” he told his wife over dinner that evening.
Later that week, the two men met for coffee and chatted about old times, solved the world’s problems, and shared a few corny jokes. As they were ready to part, Barney shared an idea. “Chuck, how about being my guest at a new men’s club in town? See if you like it, and if you do, then you can become a member too.”
“I might be interested. What club is that?” asked Chuck.
“ROMEO. You’ll love it. After speaking with you a few days ago I knew you’d be an ideal recruit.”
Chuck felt his stomach clutch. Just the name of the group chilled him. He was long past the age of even imagining himself as a Romeo. “Sorry, Barney,” he said with a catch in his voice. He didn’t want to offend his friend, but for sure he was not about to risk his reputation by joining such an organization. In fact, he was pretty disappointed to learn that Barney was ‘that’ kind of man. “This doesn’t sound like my kind of club,” Chuck added. “I’ll just stick to Toastmasters.”
Barney broke out laughing—so loud, in fact, that Chuck was taken back by the volume. “I apologize,” he said. “I neglected to tell you what the letters stand for.”
Chuck wasn’t sure he wanted to know. Maybe ignorance really is bliss!
But Barney didn’t wait. He belted out the letters and what they stand for. “REALLY OLD MEN EATING OUT!”
Then it was Chuck’s turn to laugh out loud. “Count me in,” he said. “I’m all about being that kind of Romeo.”
~ ~ ~
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all . .
~ James 1:5
Funny, funny.
I agree. My husband was ‘Chuck’ in this retold ‘true’ story!
Karen this story is not only humorous, but reminds us to make sure to take time with people that we care about. If we follow through on making the time to get together with people who are special to us, then we will never regret it when they are no longer here. Thank you for always inspiring your readers.
Thanks, Sandy. I like the ‘truth’ you found under this story.
I love it ! Love YOU too!
I hope your daughter is doing well and you are back home all safe and secure, feeling loved~~because you are!!
Hugs. Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. Yes, Julie is recovery well, but taking it easy for a few more weeks. It was a serious surgery.
I thought I saw Charles in this, Karen. What a delightful story – and memory.
Yep! I can still see the story unfolding when we ran into the other man at the S.C. Symphony!
Loved it!! Like Carol, I wondered if Charles might have been part of the “back story”!
You were correct. It was a funny scene in real life so I just had to turn it into a story for my book.
Way funny. I admire Chuck though for jumping in even if he was wrong. Lol. His love of Christ showed through. Even at the hint of wrong doing, he jumped in AND cut the suggestion off at the pass. Lol.
Maybe in honor of Chuck we can get a national club going for him.
Have a great day.
Thanks for your comment, Jim. 🙂
We really enjoy your blogs Karen, and appreciate you sharing them! I’ve bought several of my friends reaching the over 60 time of life, Age of Beauty, at the midlife time of our lives we forget so easy, that it’s a whole new blessing, I’ve read it at least three times, that way its a wonderful new blessing over and over again! Donna Poole sends her love too keep on keeping on you are an awesome gift from God, and we thank Him every night for you, sending love and hugs, Walter, and Cathy
You dear friends. Thank you for your kind words and loving thoughts and I thank Donna Poole, as well. You are ever in my heart. Much love, Karen
This is a cute story Karen, I needed the humor-thanks!
Thanks for your comment, Mary. I think we can all use a bit of humor from time to time. I hope you are well and living on grace, as I am.