There was a beautiful family near us at the beach yesterday.

We enjoyed watching the kids bounce up and down in the waves. The youngest was about the age of our youngest grandson and looked like our oldest. He was the most entertaining.

Shortly before we were about to leave, Susan and the Mom crossed paths. Susan had the chance to oh-and-aw over the kids and have a brief chat with the Mom. Somehow, Susan discovered that of the four children, one was from her first marriage. Her 29 year old husband died of colon cancer.

The lovely young Mom was not melodramatic. She was friendly and refined in her manners. Susan responded with condolences which were appreciated.

The woman was empathetic when she learned of my cancer. She warmly shook Susan's hand and promised to pray. She did the same to me a few minutes later.

When we arrived at the beach, another woman was sitting alone near the spot we chose.

At first we didn't talk, but after wading into the waves and getting settled for a few hours in the sun, she asked me about our cooler. She needed to replace the two she left at places she travelled. She was taking shrimp to family and friends. We were thinking of taking the fresh seafood delicacy home so I asked for instructions. She gladly gave them in perfect detail.

Throughout our late morning and early afternoon at the beach, we talked off and on. She came over to say good-bye, and I finally asked her name. "Liz," she replied.

I gave her my name and then, I asked her, "Liz, is there any situation in your life you would like me to pray for?" I don't always do that, but I felt, this time, that I should.

She appreciated that and replied, "I lost my brother in May. We hadn't spoken in several years." There were more details she shared with me that are not necessary here.

Both people had a story. Sun tans and surf almost make you forget there are real people, each one with their own stories that matter.

Others, undoubtedly, were like us, having one last trip before a big bone-cancer surgery or some other life impacting event.

These opportunities were not contrived, nor forced. They came easily, were comfortable and, surprisingly, comforted us.

We went to the beach to relax and get away from our burdens, not face or deal with any heavy topic. But, that can be just the time to feel God's care even as you care for someone else.

Seeing others as people worth caring about, makes the relaxation more satisfying. These memories and the impact of those few moments will last far past the tans.