Four extra people visiting added to the total of swimsuits and beach towels that would need room to dry on the short clothesline strung between my metal carport poles. Maybe Grandpa Robert could reinforce the old posts and re-string the plastic cords, resurrecting the former clothes drying area by the garden.

Just as he finished wrapping the cords and tying special Boy Scout knots in place, the swimmers appeared from around the corner, coming up the steps from the lake for lunch. It was then that little James saw his opportunity.

Before Grandpa Robert could yell out, “No, don’t!” James burst into a run, took a flying leap, grabbed the line and swung his feet gleefully into the air. This was followed by a resounding “CRACK” as the two vintage posts sagged low, bringing joyous James back to earth with a thud. The delighted look on his face also collapsed. Robert’s head shook back and forth, not in disbelief – more like – what next?

I pointed Robert toward the boathouse where the shovels and post-hole digger live. As he turned to go, James brushed himself off and scurried to catch up. “Can I help you, Grandpa Robert?” he pleaded.

Robert shot me a look that clearly translated to, “Could you please find something else for him to do?” I glared back, wide-eyed, jutting my chin toward little James’ eager face and sent him a telepathic plea. Here was a four-year-old child, wanting a chance to be with Grandpa and learn how to fix things. Don’t blow it!

Robert paused, shrugged his shoulders and called out to James, “Do you think you can carry a shovel?” James took Robert’s hand and off they went to the boathouse.

I returned to the cabin kitchen, where I could watch the repair project while I finished making lunch. James was seated by a growing pile of dirt. Sometimes he filled the hole while Grandpa was still digging deeper. Sometimes, he untied the rope that was supposed to be tied. Mostly, he watched each detail, patiently following Grandpa’s every move until the project was done.

“Good job, guys!” I shouted out the back door as they returned the tools to the boathouse.

“And, thanks for putting away the tools. Great-great-Grandma Nellie always used to say, ‘A place for everything and everything in its place!’ Now you’ll find them next time you need them.” This little piece of family history was aimed at both of them.

James beamed as he proudly dragged the shovel behind him. When Robert passed by, he leaned toward me and whispered, “I could have finished this job in half the time.”

My eyes again went wide as I nodded toward James, still savoring their adventure.

“But,” Robert quickly interjected, “It was a good learning experience for James.”

“Yes,” I agreed, adding, “And for somebody else”

~~~