Just when I was about to leave, she asked me to stay for a couple of minutes. I stayed and listened to what she has to say. I thought that she was going to ask me move her plants from the window but no. She wants me to know what is going on in her mind. So I told her that she can tell me anything.

She told me that she is old and still getting older. After a couple of bypass operations, she thinks that her body is finally giving up on her. I protested right away. I told her that she is still strong despite her age. Then she began to tell me that her mother passed away at the age of 84 and left her with an important message. I asked her what it was. She looked at me, smiled and said “Livets sirkel” (The circle of life). My face looked probably puzzled so she just continued, “The young ones can/may die but the old ones must. That is the circle of life.”. I asked her why she’s telling me this and she said that she can already sense that she is very near the finish line. Again, I expressed my disagreement and tried to comfort her as much as I can. And then she apologized and thanked me for lending her an ear.

I waved her goodbye and headed to the car right away. My eyes were a bit watery but I was smiling too.