Anna

Yesterday, after my dermatologist appointment and feeling stressed out, I hiked myself over to Fallsview casino.  I took my monthly gambling allotment with me, assuming it would stay at the casino but I only lost $20 and I think I made up for that with the free buffet.  This is a rare occurrence for me and I don't take it for granted, just enjoy the novelty.

As I sat at my table in the restaurant, a lady came by and asked if I was alone and if I minded her sitting with me.  Of course I invited her to do so!  Her name was Anna and she was approximately my age.  She'd also lost her husband about 10 years ago and was venturing out alone for the first time.  She'd always traveled with friends before but decided to go alone yesterday and was feeling a little lost.  I think she was quite sure of herself to ask to sit at a stranger's table, something I never do.

We had a lovely conversation as we ate, learning a little about each other.  She, like me, usually gambles until we lose our money and then goes home.  She, like me, is never lonely because she keeps herself busy with whatever she likes.  She, unlike me, doesn't use a computer.  I'd be lost without my computer every day to play games, write on the blogs, check Facebook, or do research on whatever interests me at the moment.

Anna seems to be a happy, upbeat lady and that comes from not allowing herself to be lonely.  Many seniors are lonely because they have little interests or hobbies.  They tend to stay alone instead of reaching out to the outside world.

I told her about going to Florida and the wonderful people I interact with there.  I also said that, when I have to winter at home, I'll spend lots of time at the senior center.  I like being around people and the ones at the senior center are lively characters who don't want to vegetate at home.

We finally said our goodbyes and the obligatory "good luck" and went our separate ways to gamble.  I met a few other nice people at the slots and enjoyed about 6 hours of winning and losing before heading home.  

I am thankful for this nice day spent doing what I chose to do and having the means to do it.  Thank you, Dennis.