“I’m worried about Mom,” Laura said, as her husband entered the room.

“Why? She seems to be in great health for her age.” Jim took a seat in his favorite recliner and put his feet up.

“I just got off the phone with her and she told me she was on her way to the park with Peanut.”

“What’s wrong with that? The weather is fine, and I’m sure Peanut is happy to go for a walk.”

“It’s just strange. This is at least the third time she’s mentioned it. She never used to take Peanut to the park before. She just lets her out in the yard.”

“I don’t understand what the big deal is. Your mom wants to get out of the house. Seems reasonable to me.”

“Mom has been content to be either at home, church events or family events. I don’t remember her ever going to the park. And the arthritis in her knee has been acting up, so all that walking can’t be good for her.”

“I’m sure walking is fine. You sound like you’re the overprotective mother and she’s the child. She’s only seventy. She can certainly take care of herself. Besides, it’s not like the park is in an unsafe area of town. It’s a community park that borders a golf course. The biggest danger is getting hit by an errant golf ball.” Jim chuckled to himself.

“Be serious.”

“I am being serious. I’m not sure why you’re concerned.”

“I guess you’re right. I’m going to start working on dinner before the kids start hounding me for snacks.”

Jim nodded and turned on the TV.

Laura walked into the kitchen and began pulling ingredients out of the fridge, her mind still on the strange behavior of her mother. A plan began forming.

The next day, while all the kids were at school, Laura gave her mother a call.

“Hi Mom. Would you like to have lunch together today?”

“That would be lovely, dear. Would you like to eat here or go to a restaurant?”

“I’ll take you out to lunch. The kids won’t be home from school until after three, so we’ll have plenty of time to visit.”

“OK. I’ll probably take Peanut for a walk in the park after lunch, so you’ll get home in plenty of time to meet the school bus.”

There was that park thing again. “I’d be happy to go for a walk with you. It would be nice to walk and chat. I need to get more exercise anyway. I haven’t lost my baby fat yet, and Jay is nearly seven.”

“Oh, no, that won’t be necessary. I’ll see you at lunchtime.”

Laura hung up the phone and shook her head. Why didn’t Mom want her to join her at the park? Her behavior didn’t make sense. What if she was starting to lose her memory? That settled it. Laura would go to the park with her mom, but without her mom’s knowledge.

After a lovely lunch, Laura dropped her mother off and parked her car down the street. Sure enough, a few minutes later, her mother pulled out of the driveway. Laura waited a minute and then followed along behind her.

When they reached the park, Laura lingered behind, out of sight, while Mom hooked up Peanut’s leash and strolled toward the dog park section. Laura ducked behind a tree and followed her movements. Moments later, a silver haired gentleman rose from a park bench, a plump dachshund at his feet. A broad smile erupted on his face as Mom approached. They walked their dogs to the fenced area and let them inside to run free with the other dogs, then both returned to the bench where their faces lit in animated conversation.

Laura scampered back to the car and dialed Jim.

“You’re not going to believe it.”

“What’s going on? You sound out of breath.”

“I just ran back to the car. I spied on my mom at the park.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, and guess what?”

“Don’t make me guess.”

“Mom has a boyfriend.”

****

The following week, Laura and her mother were on the phone again. Laura tried a different tactic.

“Things must be quiet for you these days now that you’re retired.”

Mom sighed. “Yes, a bit.”

“Have you ever thought about dating again? Dad’s been gone ten years.”

The pause on the other end of the line spoke volumes. “Would you have a problem with that?”

“Of course not. I want you to be happy.”

“Your father and I had 35 wonderful years together. When he passed, I missed him terribly, but I was busy with work, and then you had trouble with your last two pregnancies and my life was full. Now since I retired this year, I have felt a little empty.”

“I’m sorry, Mom. You could always come over here more.”

“Thank you, but I think God has other plans for me.”

“Oh?”

“I never dreamed of falling in love again, but I met someone at the park. We’ve been getting together regularly, just sitting and chatting. God knew I needed companionship at this stage of my life and sent me Donald. I’d love for you to meet him.”

“I’d like that very much, Mom. Thank you for sharing with me.”

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Lord, You love us so much it is hard for us to comprehend. While we may go through many trials in this life, You love to give good gifts to your children. Sometimes you give us blessings we couldn’t imagine asking for. Thank You for showing Your great love to us in both the difficult times and the times of blessing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.