Gina Heslop
On a cruise ship, a remarkable lady decides to visit the bar and orders a Scotch, specifying that she’d like it with just two drops of water. Little did the bartender know that he was about to become part of a delightful story.
As the bartender serves her drink, the woman shares a piece of personal information with a twinkle in her eye. She explains that she’s on the cruise to celebrate her 80th birthday, and, in fact, her special day is today.
The bartender, touched by her story and wanting to make her day even more special, decides to be generous. He says, “Well, since it’s your birthday, I’ll buy you a drink. In fact, this one is on me.” The lady graciously accepts and enjoys her free drink.
However, the kind gesture doesn’t go unnoticed. The woman seated to her right is also moved by the occasion and offers to buy her a drink as well. The elderly lady, appreciative of the camaraderie and goodwill, responds with a smile, “Thank you. Bartender, I want a Scotch with two drops of water.”
Once again, she savors her drink, and then the gentleman to her left joins the spontaneous celebration. He, too, wants to buy her a drink as a gesture of kindness. And once again, the woman accepts with grace, saying, “Thank you. Bartender, I want another Scotch with two drops of water.”
Now, the bartender, intrigued by this ritual, can’t help but express his curiosity. He asks the question that’s been on his mind: “Ma’am, I’m dying of curiosity, why the Scotch with only two drops of water?”
With a mischievous glint in her eye and a hint of wisdom, the old woman replies, “Sonny, when you’re my age, you’ve learned how to hold your liquor. Holding your water, however, is a whole other issue.”
This charming joke teaches us that age can bring a certain wisdom and a sense of humor about life’s challenges. It also reminds us that the elderly have their own unique way of enjoying the simple pleasures and camaraderie of life, even on an 80th birthday cruise.
