Seniors Heritage: A ‘word’ to the wise

People should watch what they say and to whom they say it to. The person being addressed may write for a newspaper. Case in point.

I went to a well-known restaurant not long ago. I ordered a shrimp plate. When the meal was served I was left with a big hamburger smothered in mushrooms.
I, hesitantly said “I don’t think that this is what I ordered.” The waitress said “Oh, yes you did, HONEY!”

Not wishing to make a scene, I quietly said “I don’t think I did.” The waitress said “Yes you did HONEY, you just forgot!” I said “I don’t even like mushrooms.” The waitress said “That’s what you ordered, HONEY, you must have forgot.” I said: “No I didn’t.” The waitress said: “You showed it to me on the menu, HONEY, you must be mixed up.”

By this time, I am totally perplexed and genuinely doubting my mental well-being as well as my name, HONEY. Meanwhile, the waitress continues to hand out the orders. When she is finished, she says: “ Now, who gets the shrimp?” I said “I guess I do, HONEY!” She didn’t get a tip. Justice was served.

For 10 years I have made it my business to uphold the dignity and respect of seniors. This waitress picked the wrong person to talk down to.

I plan to send a copy of this article to the restaurant manager. I won’t name names. I am not trying to cause the waitress to lose her job. Jobs are too hard to get these days.

I just want to make people mindful of how they treat others, particularly seniors. As I have said before, we are old, not stupid. We don’t deserve to be addressed as second class citizens. In other words no respect, no tip. Simple as that. By the way, might I recommend a 20 percent tip for those waiters/waitresses who don’t call you HONEY!

Annual mock wedding
On another note, the Prince William Senior Center at Woodbridge, 13850 Church Hill Drive in Woodbridge, will hold its annual mock wedding on the June 25. This mock wedding is going to be a little different from run of the mill weddings. This is going to be a down home, dog patch, shotgun wedding – Daisy Mae, etc.

If you are 55 and over, you are cordially invited to attend. Be prepared for an event you won’t soon forget! Surprises await you!

The wedding program starts at 10:30 a.m . with music by Karen Merchant ala karaoke. The bride and groom are Nancy Holland and Ron Saxe.

Their family, friends and senior center members will be in attendance. A bridal luncheon will be served at noon. Reception to follow in the dining hall with a wedding cake made by our very own Kathy Ferguson.. Please make reservations at the front desk by Wednesday.

A $2 donation holds your reservation. Money will be used to defray the cost of table favors/decorations. As always, donations for lunch will be accepted at the time of serving.

Send questions, comments and column ideas to Dene Nichols at .