Depending on your age, health and objectivity, you might argue that sugar-free lollipops are/were a bad idea. They are certainly less than ideal if taste is your aim, and if (even subconsciously) the only reason you would think of putting a stick-shaped piece of cardboard in your mouth is/was because of the concentration of sugar on the end.
I sometimes have great ideas (even/often subconsciously). I sometimes wish I would pursue them. One such idea is expanding/updating the “slow” lane. We need a “doing everything but focusing on driving” lane. This could include texting, telephoning, putting on makeup, eating breakfast, shaving, etc. It could be perfect . . . Insurance Companies and Law Enforcement professionals could focus on other claims/crime, as use of the “anything goes” lane would truly mean anything goes . . . “I am not responsible and/or paying much attention at the present time, nor am I holding anyone else responsible . . . now where is my lip color?!”
I do believe I had the good fortune to meet the ideal 90+ year old this past week. A run a day truly must keep extinction away. This remarkable individual came into Bandanna with her daughter to get some new walking shoes. She commented that she really misses running, and that she finally stopped at age 87. I asked her how old she is now (not subconsciously . . . and with a high level of admiration), and she offered that she is 94. I then asked how old she was when she started running, and she indicated she was in her early 40’s. WOW! Gael . . . you truly are an inspiration and an ideal (defined as a model of perfection or beauty in my Webster’s).
I keep thinking about Gael, and wondered while waiting for results of the third strep test of the week last week how many doctor visits, strep (and other) tests, and truly great ideas someone has by the time they reach the age of 94. I was likely still wondering about this (subconsciously) while at the pharmacy counter inquiring about a gallon-sized jug of antibiotic. While the pharmacist may have missed that I was absolutely serious about a gallon-sized portion, she did not miss the opportunity to offer Molly a “feel-better-soon” lollipop. The thank you had barely left Molly’s sore throat when she EXCLAIMED (not subconsciously, and after reading the wrapper), “Hey, this lollipop is sugar-free!” I quickly realized it is a good idea to have the waiting area for the line at the pharmacy several feet back from the counter. I may have consciously said something parental to Molly. I did not leave with a gallon of antibiotic, but I still think it could be a good idea. I drove home in the slow lane thinking about Gael and wishing we could go for a run together. Molly’s lollipop is still in the back seat of the car . . . unwrapped. The antibiotic is gone . . . as is the sore throat.
Shannon Harris
