Reliving Chivalry

I went to church early today because tomorrow, Sunday, I'll be early in the clinical setting. I put on a loose preggo-look blouse and slacks with matching heels. I went to church alone too. When I got out of the car, an elderly man in a Mercedes parked behind me and walked to church. He walked ahead of me and he took a seat. Coincidentally, there was a free seat beside him so I took it. When I sat, he spoke, "I should've walked with you."

I laughed. A gentleman, in these times? Certainly, this man is a jewel. I can only say his wife (he's married, I saw his wedding band) is one of the luckiest ladies in the world.

After mass, the old man offered his arm, and I took it while he said, "You better walk with me. Because you parked in front of me..."

I had to finish his sentence with a smile, "So you can leave easily."

We both laughed. I felt comfortable with his demeanor, an easy going man with seemingly nothing to lose. He befriended a stranger and spared her a presumptuous remark.

"Are you pregnant?"

I looked at my stomach. Was it really big? I denied his claim and laughed. He simply apologized and said he was too presumptuous. I wasn't really insulted but I had to not break his tender heart.

"If I was pregnant, I'd be the next Immaculate Conception."

Being the devout Catholic that he is, he let out a hearty laugh. He said he felt refreshed talking to me and that the world needed more people like me. In turn, I said the world needed more gentlemen like him.

After parting with pleasantries, I drove off with a smile and a good mood. Feeling good like this has been pretty rare for me, and I'm thankful that I'm still able to smile.