Carrie Link

NBFs

My husband and friends tease me, because everywhere I go I make a new best friend (NBF). It is common place for me to walk into Starbucks, Peet's, the grocery store, wherever, and come back out with a NBF. People are fascinating, don't you think? Everyone has a story, and most would love to share it with someone.

Yesterday I was at the store bying a ream of paper. The guy behind me in line says, "So, you gonna print out your novel on that and make a lot of money?"

"Yes! As a matter of fact, I am. But it's not a novel I'm writing, it's non-fiction."

"Oh yea? What's YOURS?"

"Mine is memoir."

"Well, MINE is blah, blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda..."

I'd still be standing there now if he'd had his way.

While on my get-away with my husband, I ducked into a crowded coffee shop to grab the essential 1:00 PM latte, and he waited outside for me. I was in there forever, and while it WAS crowded, I was still in there forever. When I came out with my latte and a funny looking napkin, he said, "So, what were you doing in there so long, talking to your NBF?"

"Yes! "

This NBF was named Mark. Mark is 85, plus, immaculately dresssed, tie, sweater vest, slacks, polished shoes, a hat resting on the table. He kept making eye contact with me while I stood in line, and then just before I walked out, he approached me and said, "Do you mind if I tell you a story? It's a short story."

"Great! Tell me a story!"

He put his gnarled hand on my shoulder, looked at me with his soul-filled eyes and said, "May the saddest days of your future... Be no worse than the happiest days of your past!"

"I just thought you'd enjoy that, " Mark said. "I wrote it down for you on this napkin. It's Irish. Have a great day."

Well, Mark, I did have a great day, and I still have that napkin. It's pinned to my bulletin board next to my desk where I write. I plan to live out that Irish blessing, fully. Full of love, period. Full of peace. Full of compassion. Fully caffeinated.