I never stop being amazed at how the old and the new resemble each other.

What is it about the old and the new that’s similar? Why are we drawn to the differences in the old and the new? Isn’t the old out of date and kind of useless in the now? And, when do we know the new is worthwhile?

Please allow me to bring two recent experiences into the conversation. But first, let me grab a glass of Hahn Merlot. It’s pleasant light vanilla and raspberry tastes will guide me through this discussion.

A number of years ago I was involved with a social service organization that focused on serving the elderly. By the way, that’s a noble endeavor and I’ll always applaud those who serve others. During the time with the organization, I met a number of people, but one seemed to stick with me. We talked a few times in passing and this person’s persona never left me. We always joked we would have a glass of wine together — someday.

I moved. She left the organization and moved on to another path in her career. However, we stayed in touch, and periodically we repeated that same old promising phrase to have a glass of vino one day. Then, one day, I received a message from her that there was a meeting in my town and she was going to attend it. Could we have lunch to chat about old and new times? I was on board!

We met and walked about the town for a little while. Then, we settled down for lunch and that long promised glass of wine. We decided on a Aveleda Vinho Verde. It’s a Portuguese wine that made without any aging and brings a bit of fizz to the table along with nice tartness. The filled glasses appeared and we, finally, clinked glasses in a toast to old friends.

The rewarding conversation was filled with oldness and newness. Our time cane to part, and once again, we promised a glass of wine … someday.

A couple of days later I was attending a citizen’s event at the local library. I chatted with a couple of folks and began to notice a person slowly strolling around the room — like on a mission. Hmmm, what’s going on there? Our path’s crossed and a bit of small talk began. I discovered she was a reporter from the local newspaper, and we had a quick talk before it was time to start the meeting. After the close of the meeting, we found each other and further introduced ourselves.

Somehow, the subject of wine came up and we agreed to share a glass … one day. However, all reporters love coffee and a coffee chat was soon scheduled.

As we settled down on the really neat coffee patio, our conversation covered many topics and there was much laughter — that’s always good! A part of our talk was about things from the past and how we liked the same things. It was time to go and we agreed to have a cup of tea one day and to have a glass of wine — one day.

These two stories are so similar in their dissimilarities. In both, you’ll find a sense of newness, and, also, a sense of oldness. In one story, there’s the old that precedes the new. In the other story, there’s the new that led to the old. In each person, I saw the other person.

With a glass of Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec in hand, I pondered the complexity of the old and the new. Naturally, the wonderful new blackberry taste of the wine paired nicely with its old vanilla taste that’s gained from the aging process — a perfect pondering wine.

What do we learn from the old and the new? I wonder if it’s not that there’s a kindred spirit out there that brings us together — an essence that we don’t realize we possess but never let’s us down. We only have to see someone, talk with that person and be civil.