I’ve sat with them many a time in Izy Coffee.  Their native language is French.  They’re fluent in Dutch and struggle in English.  And what shines through … they’re nice people.

They laugh a lot together and are happy to share their smiles with me.

I found out this morning that Tita and Jacques have been married for fifty years.  They used to travel a lot but less so now.  What is supreme are their children and grandchildren.

I asked Jacques what he’s learned about women after so many years with Tita.

She’s a lovely lady

When I pressed for more detail, he added …

She’s such a good cook

And … the other (smile)

I figured out that he was talking about sex, which is certainly a fine thing to be good at.  Jacques beamed at his wife.

Now Tita’s turn:

He gives me space to be myself

And that says it all.

I looked at the two of them and wondered if they ever stop smiling at each other.

Jacques again:

Tita loves painting

I asked her to share one of her favourites with me.  I wasn’t expecting it to be three-dimensional …

I love the colours.  I love the teeth.  I love the eye.  Well done, Tita

***

A lovely morning hour

With two fine young human beings

…

And when I asked for a photo

They shared a chair