Tea and biscuits

With a walker in tow she greeted us at the door of her one room apartment.

The retirement home's activities coordinator entered ahead of me to make the necessary introductions. "Isobel this is Robyn." She said in a clear, heightened tone.

Isobel looked up from her tiny frame, "So, this must be Robyn," she said with a smile.

We settled into her sitting room. Her apartment was just about as big as she was, but large windows framed every room with natural light. This room was peaceful. On every well dusted surface there was a photo of a loved one. Including her wedding picture with the one she's loved for over 70 years and continues to love even though he's passed on.

Today was the fourth anniversary of his death. Isobel was happy to have visitors.

I organized my equipment and she sat back with professional ease. It was like she'd done this a thousand times before.

My first question: "In your early twenties what did you think dating would be like, what did you expect love to be?"

She answered with clarity and grace. There were moments when she brought me, the interviewer, back on the topic. I always tend to stray.

After an hour we wrapped up and she asked if I would stay for tea.

I stood and helped her prepare our mini feast of Mint Girl Guide Cookies, Peek Freans, Digestives and Earl Grey tea. She had to have the settings just so and made fun of herself for not having a proper sugar bowl. "I don't often entertain, you see."

Her walker assisting with every step, Isobel showed me to the artwork that she's created over the years. It's all proudly displayed on her walls. Every paint stroke to these vibrant country scenes was so precise.

But, the time got on and it was getting closer to her dinner hour, which she attends with all of the other residents. Like any gracious hostess she showed me to the door as I prepared to leave. Her walker stood between us, but I bent over it and opened my arms and embraced my new 96-year-old friend.

I hope I'm welcome for another 'cuppa' someday soon.