Jennifer at university move-in day

While they went to drop the car, I found a bench to sit on. It was placed against the cafeteria building, allowing me to step away from the drop-off chaos and take it all in. My daughter, the youngest, off to university. And not just my daughter, every parent there was moving their child to the next stage.

"It's a lot," I said as she sat beside me. 

"And we dropped our other daughter at school yesterday!"

So began my connection with Jennifer, an artist, a homemaker, mother of 3. Younger than me and holy hell more hip, dreadlocks and a very cool skirt, boots to match. Despite our differences, a shared experience made us the same in that moment.

"It's a weird feeling."

"I know, I don't think it's sinking in yet."

We talked and watched the other families, heard the raised voices, felt the irritation, witnessed some tears. 

My husband and daughter came back into view so I said goodbye but not without a hug. 

"You got this, Mom," one of us said.

Adele in the doctor's waiting room

"I like your purse."

"Thanks my daughter bought it for me and I'm not sure if it's real or a knock-off."

"Well either way it's really nice, caught my eye."

So began my 5 minute friendship with Adele. At 75, I learned that Adele retired at 49, regrets it now. We discussed how decisions can be right at the time. She agreed but then cheekily added that taking care of her husband for the last 25 years was not enjoyable. Apparently he is a pain in the ass. Ha.

Adele was honest, thoughtful, sweet, and during our entire interaction she was holding a urine sample. It was tastefully wrapped in paper towel.

Adele cared that my husband had recently lost his job, even wracking her brain for anyone she knew that could help him find a product manager position. Adele gave me her views on her yearly trip to Florida now that Trump is in power and we discussed why Toronto should never have amalgamated. Adele turned to me at one point and told me her name, making a point to say how nice it was to speak with me. I couldn't have agreed more. She made my day.

I was called in to see the doctor before Adele, so we quickly said our goodbyes. However when I finished my appointment she was still there, holding her urine sample while she spoke on her cell phone. Despite the balancing act she blew me a kiss and waved. 

"Bye Adele," I whispered as I waved.

A start, a middle, an end, like any friendship. But this one all fit into a neat little package of 5 minutes. Perfection.