THE LONGEST MINUTE

A billiards rematch 60 years in the making proved to be worth the wait

- Doug McNicol

Having recently decided to “mostly” retire, I found out very quickly that filling the void of unwanted idle time was going to become my new occupation. I was determined not to let my mind and body atrophy, as happens with all too many older people after retiring. So, finding enjoyable activities that provided a challenge and chance to interact with people was going to become my mantra.

There was a seniors’ building in the city that I had been avoiding for some time, simply because it was referred to as a “seniors’’ centre. It was now finally time to come to grips with my labelling this place as being for “older” people. My attitude no longer mattered, it was for older people, and I realized I now fit very nicely into that category.

So, with my newfound attitude I thought what the hell, let’s check it out. Sheepishly walking through the front door, I was welcomed by a portly lady, probably somewhere in her mid-forties.

“Well hello there, I’m Barbara, how may I help you?”

The greeting had way too much enthusiasm. I mention this only to point out how the reception I had just received is telling of how some people pigeonhole seniors. She had what some would classify as a baby talk lilt to her voice. I fought off my desire to say anything inappropriate, simply sighed and said I’d like to speak with someone about the type of programs that were offered. Barbara immediately handed me a stack of pamphlets that were at the ready and was starting in on a way-too-lengthy outline of each of them when I raised my finger, stopping her mid-sentence.

“You have billiards,” I said, a statement more so than a question. It said so on page one of the paperwork Barbara had just handed me.