DOCS visit #2

Monday’s visit to the Downtown Oakland Senior Center was such a refreshing surprise.  After reading the class’s reactions to their previous visit, I wasn’t surprised by the looks or energy of those attending the meeting, but more so, the depth in which I felt my connection with these women went. 

I found the candidness and rawness of these women refreshing, engaging and encouraging.  The book A Dark Flood Rises, served briefly as a backdrop for our introductions into conversation.  Really though, it was hearing about their lives.  We swapped stories and laughed and it felt as though we were hanging out as I do when I meet a new friend.  I honestly do not know why it was so easy to engage in conversation, perhaps the age difference allows there not to be what I can only describe as a competition or comparison.  Our lives are currently functioning in such different places that it is simply refreshing to hear what it feels like to retire, what one wants to accomplish before death, connecting with grandchildren, and what they fill their time with now. 

I went deep with Angelina talking extensively about politics.  I usually never talk about politics but our philosophies aligned and we were so engaged that we went on until she was supposed to leave for another writing class at the center.  She left briefly but then returned saying the class had been cancelled and she was so happy to reengage in conversation.  At this point however, the rest of our table was talking about music and technology.  We genuinely shared a great connection and laughed a lot.  It was so sweet that myself and Lila spoke during the beginning of class and our fellow tablemates seemed genuinely proud of us.  I, having only met them for a few minutes briefly and Lila, having spent time with them at the last visit.  By the end of our time together, it literally felt not like I was spending time with “older people,” but actually establishing meaningful relationships.  I suppose being in my 40’s, one of my closest friends is in her 60’s so she would be considered a senior in this circumstance.  In reality, these folks are people that it would not be unusual for me to spend time with.  I really cannot speak to our conversations regarding the assigned reading because we were too engaged in life conversations to even get there.  I am very much looking forward to more time spent with my new friends.