This is a little story written by someone who loves summer and the beach. I have never been to Lyme Regis.
Patrick remembered the day that Shelagh paused at the door to his office in the surgery and confessed that she wished for a holiday in Lyme Regis. So much time had passed and they had managed one disastrous camping trip, a follow up weekend, and a mission trip to South Africa.
Last summer was spent with bedrest and worry, so as the cold winter continued, Patrick decided that he would make sure his darling Shelagh's wish came true. In the cold of winter he made arrangements for when summer's warmth arrived after school let out. He wanted to surprise her as much as she surprised him with the camping trip.
Patrick was no fool, he had been a husband to two wives and he knew it couldn't be a last minute surprise. With a teenager, a toddler and an infant, no matter how wonderful the vacation it would require shopping and packing which would fall to Shelagh. Even if he had the time to take on such tasks he would bumble them. Shelagh was the organized one in their union.
Still he held on to his secret until summer arrived in late June, giving Shelagh a month to plan and prepare. The thought of a warm holiday to come got him through his bone chilling winter house calls. He would be lying if the thought of Shelagh in her swimming costume that she wore on the beach in South Africa didn't hurt either.
When he surprised Shelagh with the news, she couldn't stop smiling. Neither could Patrick because making Shelagh happy was what he loved to do most. She went full speed ahead in planning and although Angela was too little to really understand, Tim was certainly excited as well.
Finally without any great issue their journey was over. They and the heavily packed the MG had arrived at their hotel. The day was warm even though the sun had trouble peeking out all the way. They all changed and walked to the beach with beach paraphernalia that was either borrowed or bought.
Patrick who hadn't wore short trousers since the camping trip was even wearing swimming trunks and his sunglasses. He carried a large striped umbrella to provide shade. Angela was in awe when she saw the beach and the water. She had been told that she must stay with mummy or daddy or Tim and never go into the water alone.
After putting out a blanket and setting up the umbrella, Shelagh was able to put Teddy down. Unfortunately they just didn't have room to bring the pram. As she sat on the blanket with the baby, Shelagh watched the others walk to the water's edge to put their toes in the water. She took in the sights and sounds around her. Different than the almost deserted beach in South Africa this beach was full of families and happy children. She heard shouts of joy and laughter with the occasional cry of a baby or tired child.
Patrick came back with a big smile and fell down on the blanket beside her. "That water is cold, but Angela doesn't seem to notice. She laughs as it laps at her toes."
"Thank you Patrick. This is wonderful," she smiled and Patrick was so pleased.
They spent lazy days by the seaside being a family. The children dug in the sand and built castles for princess Angela. Patrick read and often just held Shelagh's hand under the umbrella. The togetherness was wonderful. One day, Patrick got adventurous and decided to bury Tim in the sand. Then Angela wanted her turn and Tim managed to sculpt the sand around her to look like a mermaid's tail, just like the one on the carousel that delighted her so.
Patrick and Shelagh sat on the blanket watching Tim and Angela wading in the water. Teddy who had not been phased by the change of venue was chewing a crust of bread as he seemed to be teething.
Patrick laughed, "Looks like he's talking to one."
She scolded, but she truly didn't mean it, "Patrick!"
They had been watching Tim watch the girls all week. It appeared as if one was interested in him or perhaps Angela. Suddenly they noticed Tim leave Angela holding hands with the girl and rush back to them.
"I think Teddy should feel the water," he said as he grabbed his brother and headed back to the water.
"Smart boy! He must know girls can't resist a baby. Angela must not have been enough to close the deal."
"What deal is that Patrick?"
"We shall see."
They watched as he passed Teddy into the girl's arms. Even from a distance they could tell she was thrilled. A few minutes later Tim brought both Angela and Teddy back to the blanket.
"I'm going for a walk," he said and ran off.
They watched him walk off with the girl and Patrick said, "That's my boy!"
"Oh Patrick!" Shelagh laughed as she leaned over and kissed his cheek.
Now this Patrick thought, was truly the best holiday ever.