We ran into a dub couple recently in a theater. The women was one of those gals who, for as long as we knew her, always had the syndrome du jour. So I inquired after her health, just to steer her away from talking about our fade (which did not even come up). She said that she had finally found a doctor who had correctly diagnosed her problem and said she was allergic to chemicals, perfume, and just about everything else associated with people and crowded environments. This has a name, which she gave to me in the form of initials, but I have forgotten them. I decided not to comment on the irony that she was in a crowd surrounded by people, albeit in a social setting.
Anyway, I remarked that whatever medication he prescribed must be working because she looked terrific, and I wasn't just being polite. Not only did she look healthy but she seemed very happy and "up" (which was a big change from the last time I saw her, about four years ago when she was was pale and depressed all the time.
Her response? "I haven't been in a Kingdom Hall in five years."
I had to pause to contemplate what that might mean. I was about to say, "Well, no wonder you look so happy, not going to the KH clearly agrees with you." Before I could say that, she added: "I just listen on the phone."
I just smiled and said, "Well, whatever you're doing, keep it up. You look good."
In retrospect, I kick myself for not saying: "I haven't been to a Kingdom Hall in four years myself, and I have never been so happy, either. I guess that says lot, doesn't it?"
Maybe next time.
