Lorraine’s tires crunched on the crushed shell driveway. Her apprehension mounted as she approached the house. Why had she agreed to come? Phyllis was nothing if she wasn’t persuasive. Still, spending the weekend with her friend’s family at their shore house was bound to be awkward. She’d be in the way. But Phyllis had insisted. Said Lorraine needed to get out and enjoy God’s creation. Maybe that was true.

Lorraine parked and opened the car door. The scent of salt air and ocean filled her nostrils. Unable to help herself, she drew in a breath and was immediately taken back to her youth. She’d spent many happy summers at the beach. But she’d had no interest in returning since Joe died.

She stretched her aching back and exited the car. Almost immediately, Phyllis’ grandson Robbie appeared.

“Hi, Mrs. Carpenter. Let me get your bag.”

Lorraine couldn’t help smiling. What a polite young man. She popped the trunk and followed Robbie toward the house, where Phyllis welcomed her with open arms.

“I’m so glad you’re here. Robbie will put your bag in your room. You remember Sarah and Phil, right?”

Lorraine greeted Phyllis’ son and daughter-in-law, and a touch of apprehension faded away. Phillis’ family had always been kind to her.

Robbie bounded back into the room. “Can we go to the beach now?”

Phyllis laughed and ruffled his hair. “Yes, Robbie. Go tell your sisters.” She turned to Lorraine. “Are you ready to hit the beach, or do you need some time to recover from the drive first? We have a cooler packed with lunch and drinks.”

Sarah put a hand on Lorraine’s arm. “Don’t feel pressured to go to the beach. Robbie’s just excited. If you want to stay here and relax, that’s fine, too.”

Phyllis tut-tutted. “Nonsense. Lorraine can sit at home alone whenever she wants. She’s joining us at the beach.” She turned her sharp gaze on Lorraine. “Go put on your suit.”

Lorraine laughed. “Yes Ma’am.”

After a battle between Robbie and his parents over putting on sunscreen, Lorraine followed her dear friend and her family down to the beach, where Phil set up chairs and an umbrella. Lorraine sank into a beach chair as Phil and Sarah headed to the water to watch their children frolic in the waves.

Lorraine’s heart filled. The warm sun beat down, and the scent of coconut sunscreen mingling with the sea air brought such a sense of comfort, of vacation. Sea gulls squawked and children laughed. This was good medicine.

Phyllis took the chair next to Lorraine. “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s wonderful to have a friend with me.”

Lorraine blinked. “I thought you only invited me because you felt sorry for me.”

Phyllis’ eyes rounded. “Are you kidding me?” I love spending time with Phil and the family, but they’re exhausting. At our age, sitting in these beach chairs is more my thing. But I wouldn’t miss these trips for the world. I love my family, and I love watching them all have a good time. And I’ll go down there and dip my toes in the water, but I spend a lot of time sitting here watching. I love your company, and I wanted to share this with you.”

Lorraine fought a sudden rush of emotion. “I almost didn’t come because I didn’t want to be a charity case. I didn’t want to intrude on your family time.”

“If I didn’t want you here, I wouldn’t have invited you.”

“I’m sure the rest will only tolerate me.”

“You wait and see.”

Five minutes later, little Isabel and Sophia came running back to the blanket, teeth chattering. The water was too cold for their little bodies. Phyllis picked up two towels and handed one to Lorraine. They each wrapped a girl in a towel. Sophia climbed into Phyllis’ lap, and a moment later, Isabel climbed into Lorraine’s. She gazed up at Lorraine with wide brown eyes. “Will you tell me a story?”

Sophia chimed in. “Yes, tell us a story we never heard before!”

Lorraine swallowed against the lump in her throat. Her kids used to love when she told them stories. But now they were grown and living on the other side of the country.

“I think I can manage that.” She paused for a moment to think, but then launched into a tale of a little old rabbit who lived by himself and didn’t spend time with the other rabbits because he didn’t think they’d want him around. By the end of the story, his friend convinced him to spend time with them and he made lots of new friends. When she finished the story, Isabel and Sophia clapped their little hands together.

Isabel wriggled out of the towel. “That rabbit was silly. I don’t know why he’d think the other rabbits wouldn’t like him because he’s old. Old people are the best. They tell the best stories.” She hopped off Lorraine’s lap. “Come build a sandcastle with me.”

Lorraine unfolded herself from the chair and found herself hand-in-hand with the two little girls. She managed to lower herself onto the sand. Sophie handed her a shovel, and they dug. Phyllis followed a moment later, and soon, a sand castle took shape.

Lorraine’s mood lightened exponentially. Why had she resisted this trip? Later, as they gathered their things and headed back to the house, Phyllis studied Lorraine’s face. “You look so serious. What are you thinking?”

Lorraine laughed. “I’m thinking you’re a wonderful friend for forcing me to come on this trip. And I’m thinking it’s time for me to book plane tickets. I’m not waiting until Christmas to see my own grandchildren. I’m ready to get out there and be with people again.” She squeezed Phyllis’ hand. “Thank you.”

Psalm 92:14-15:

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

God, thank You for the gift of friendship and especially for the gift of children. So often when we feel sorry for ourselves, children brighten our day. Help us remember as we age, our value only increases, as we have wisdom to share to the next generation. Help us continue to be in relationships with others. Thank you for the gift of love! In Jesus’ name, Amen.