An ordinary day at a spectacular beach. We meet with friends who bring along three grandsons. The eldest is twelve and the youngest eight. Sorry that middle child syndrome, I forgot to ask his age.
The boys play with youthful exuberance along the beach and with the ocean waves. Working up an appetite they notify us of near starvation. Boys have ceaseless appetites in their growing years. Nobody seems to volunteer for the long trek to that faraway concession stand. I say in a firm but playful voice, "You just sit right there, I will walk your grandchildren to the concession stand!" Laughter follows accompanied with a slight recline in their beach chairs. Papa hands over the money and I tell the oldest to hold on to it for this is now his responsibility.
We carry our shoes for they make walking more difficult through the sand, which after some time seems to become heavier and hotter with each passing footstep. The boys exchange pleasant conversation and I cannot help but admire their genteel manner. I feel wonderful sharing this moment and enjoying the company of three young men that any parent would be proud to claim as heritage.
Finally we reach the watering hole. Foolishly, I allow them to decide for themselves what to purchase, this indicates a lack of guidance on my part. While they decide what to purchase, I take this opportunity to place myself down at a picnic table to rest.
A woman sits alone at the other end of the table. I smile and announce that "I hope I am not intruding,I am waiting for the boys food order". She smiles in return and we exchange greetings. She informs me that she is from Paris. Visiting the area to look at colleges, for she is a teacher. She had taken a train up from Boston, after reading of the beach. This impressed me greatly. From the train station she and her daughter took a taxi to the beach area.
Her daughter Meme then comes to join the table; surprised at the level of camaraderie between two women, strangers just a moment before.
The boys return with a "Frisbee", icecream, fries, and some cheap candies! I ask, "Is this edible?" pointing to the Frisbee, placed on the table. "I thought you were hungry, as in a hamburger or anything with some food value." They seem content, and it is not my place to correct their decision.
The boys quickly become bored with talk of restaurants and lobster and walking distances exchanged between the two women. They ask "Can we go back now?" I explain that this lady and her daughter are visiting from Paris. "Wow!" is the response audibly heard. I inform them we must display courtesy and hospitality to show American pride. I inquire as to where they are sitting, discouraged for we are at two separate ends of the beach. The two women exchange a smile and we go our separate ways.
This pleasant encounter will be filed away as another special moment, a gift unexpected from a beach that knows how to share and give.
written by Pauline
copyright 2006
3 comments:
I am 47 years old and members of my family often scold me because I so easily talk to strangers. I answer, "If I don't talk to strangers, how do I make new friends?"
Another great post, Pauline. I felt like I was there. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful Story Pauline, I always feel good after reading one of your posts.
Like Quilldancer, I can easily talk to people. Striking up a conversation is how friendships are made.
Look at our small circle, if we didnt come and visit other blogs, we would have not become Blogging Friends.
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