Fifteen minutes ago I walked into Izy Coffee on the Langemunt, having decided to sit there and watch for couples holding hands on the street.

I had just started dripping stevia into my cappuccino when I looked up to see mom, dad and young son bouncing along … hands linked.  Talk about an intention becoming real!

My wife Jody died ten years ago.  What I especially miss is holding hands as we strolled along.  We were in sync, rather than “two solitudes”, or one ahead and one behind.

***

Okay.  Back to the experiment.  If I sit here for another half hour, how many couples or families will I see holding hands?

It’s 10:18.

10:21 – Already six male/female couples have walked by, none holding hands.  (Sigh)

10:22 – Mom and ten-year-old daughter!

10:23 – Two m/f couples pass each other

10:24 – Another!

10:25 – One more.  The hand holders are all pretty young so far, in the 30’s or 20’s.

10:28 – I’m getting tired of the timed tally so I’ll switch gears.  Now I’m seeking a couple in their 60’s or older who are holding hands.  Stay tuned.

A woman on the left, a man on the right.  He holds a shopping bag in his left hand.  It’s not available for her right hand.

10:50 – That’s half-an-hour of observation.  Several older couples have walked by, just two of them holding hands.

No conclusions here.  I simply feel sad when there’s no touch and so happy when there is.

It’s a tenderness that I want to feel again