One of my neighbors is 82 years old. He lost his wife of 60 years yesterday. I've always said hello, always waved, always been cordial with them. But I've never gone over and talked with them. For whatever reason, I never crossed the street. I've just stayed in my own world and left them in theirs.
I walked over today as he sat alone on his porch, on the bench where I've seen him sitting with his wife for the past 4 years. I expressed my condolences and he asked me to sit.
We sat and talked for almost an hour. He told me stories, and I told him some. Smiles were exchanged, handshakes were extended. I could have heard all these stories from him and his wife over the 4 years that I've lived across the street, but I never did. I regret it very much. We parted as friends with lots of common interests. Wished I'd have gotten to know him sooner.