CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS

FROM: MONA LISA

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jane, who is about 80 years old, came along with them; all in all, a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jane who said, "Ice Cream, please; two scoops, chocolate."

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie." Jane added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time, but when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Jane as her pie a-la-mode went down. The other gals couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jane . I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait.

I smiled. She asked if she amused me.

I answered, "Yes, you do, but you also confuse me."

"How come you always order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?" She laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is possible!"

"I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good."

"This year I realized how old I was. (she grinned) I haven't been this old before."

"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored."

"I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead."

"I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and Cokes."

"I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face."

"I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most."

"I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again."

"So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."

With that, I called the waitress over. "I've changed my mind," I said. "I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!