I Am Rich

Today my husband and I went to a lunch with a dozen or more other couples for a friend who just turned 81.  He’s well dressed and always wears a friendly smile.  He loves to play pool and is an exceptional player, outplaying many who oppose him with his steady hand and precision at figuring angles the cue ball must go to hit the ball in question and go to the proper pocket.  During dinner everyone chats and shares stories and some “old age” jokes and even issues although, the conversation does not turn whiny or self pitying.  Happy birthday is sung by the group and yet again when the waiter and waitresses come around.  Finally pairs of couples begin to leave and finally there are only four couples who sit and chat.  The conversation roams from children and grandchildren to likes and dislikes, funny stories growing up and memories of another lifetime.  George made a comment that sticks out in my mind.  “I am rich,” he said, “In family and friends.   Why do people believe they have to have accumulated so much money and things to be happy?  It’s prudent to have enough to be comfortable, but after that what good does it do you if you don’t have family or friends?”