I always liked Alan and he liked me. Ever since those days I have met him on occasion here or there and I always feel honored by his interest and his genuine caring nature. I met him again today at the Utopian Bakery, where I had stopped for coffee and a scone and to sit and read a bit and to leave a book for another to pick up.
He asked what I was doing and we found we are both in the same place: working part time and finding that it is too much, even this part time stuff. Feeling we want more time for ourselves, knowing we will continue to take on other things because neither of us can say no, and then on occasion feel guilty because we did not come through on everything. So much in common, yet I am certain that Alan is far from as screwed up as I am.
As always, I went away feeling refreshed and warm and good. What a sweetheart he is. I know I am lucky.