This piece dates back to 2011 when I posted it on Facebook. Still makes me smile.

I encountered a joyful young man today. I went to Buddy’s BBQ in Knoxville seeking a Hawgback tater. You know….the loaded tater with BBQ on top. The guy in front of me in the line ordered one. He was promptly informed that they were sold out of Hawgback taters. Seems that they were popular today.

So I started to leave because I had my heart set on a Hawgback tater. But I decided that a pork plate with tater salad and slaw would have to do. You know being all flexible and all when it comes to food is a good thing.

So I choke down the pork plate, slaw, tater salad and several hush puppies. Then I refill the Dr. Pepper for the road and head out to the car. As I approach my car I see that I will have to wait to get in. A car has parked beside mine on my driver’s side and a lady is helping her husband out of the passenger side of their car which is blocking my way. She is holding a walker for him and he is attempting to rise out of the car seat and stand. But he is struggling a lot.

He sees me waiting and says with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes “Getting old ain’t for sissies!” I smile and nod and continue to wait. He tries again to pull himself up out of the car seat and cannot make it so I ask him if I can be of assistance. He cheerfully accepts my offer to help. So I set my Dr. Pepper on top of my car and walk over to him. Gently I reach around his waist with one arm and hold his hand with my free hand and help him to his feet. He rises to his feet, straightens his legs and then he says to me once again “Getting old ain’t for sissies”. He then promptly headed for the front door of Buddy’s on his own.

I tried to follow him toward the door to offer more assistance but his wife stopped me and with a smile said “He’s fine once he gets to his feet. We should all hope to get around that well when we are 92”!

Wow. I was amazed at the joy I saw in them individually and together. As I got into my car I thanked the Lord for this man and woman and I prayed that I would find that kind of joy now and when I am older.