A Norvell Note

November 23, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 44

Reflections in a Quiet Booth: Lessons from Life and On Golden Pond

After a memorial service for one of my patients, a visit with a lady in her 90s, and another visit with a woman who has a very confused view of what is going on in her world, I needed a quiet place to eat and document notes. I remembered that Freddy’s is usually calm on an early Friday afternoon (and has a good burger). I set up my mobile office in a booth in the back corner. It was indeed almost empty. 

After collecting my burger, I inserted my AirPods and touched play on my phone. The first song was from the On Golden Pond soundtrack. I paused, looked across the deserted dining area, and drifted away in the world of what may be.

I remember Norman getting lost while picking strawberries and melting into Ethel’s loving arms, saying, “I was scared.” I smiled as an angry daughter and dad struggled to reconnect. And I almost lost it completely when Ethel thought Norman was having a heart attack. And I took deep, long breaths as the couple recognized that the loons had come to say goodbye. 

As my burger and fries got colder, and my strawberry milkshake got warmer, I sat silently in a near-empty burger restaurant, thinking that one day it may be me. I didn’t cry, but I wanted to. 

So, I pondered. I’m big on pondering. How will I handle it as the years continue to do what advancing years do? Will I turn into a grouchy old man? Will I not recognize my wife, my son, my daughter, my grandchildren? Will be afraid, distant, angry, or mean? I hope not.

I love you,

Tom

Instead, I hope the teachings I have received from birth, and before, that His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will flow out of me like rivers of living water. I hope my gentleness will be evident to all because I know, even if I do not consciously know, that God is near. 

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