A joy shared is a joy doubled. Shared sorrow is half a sorrow. – Swedish proverb

Beach treks are an important part of life for me and my husband. The North End is our nickname for a leisurely hour+ rambling walk that is always on our beach agenda. He checks in with his surf-fishing tribe. Head down, I search for beach glass and seashells. We are people watchers and puppy greeters.

A few weeks ago we stopped to watch this gentleman happily playing with a kite. He may have been a dad or a grandpa but if so, his kiddies were MIA. As I tend to do, I concocted a story for him: retired beach town resident; divorced and soaking up the sun with a girlfriend he first met at karaoke night or online. He has an adult son or two he sees on holidays. You can find him at a local diner most weekday mornings. He knows he needs to lose weight and says he will start tomorrow.

I always enjoy watching children playing in the surf and building sandcastles. And on this sunny day I realized I was equally delighted to watch this fellow baby boomer living large in a moment of joy.

I have seen pictures and read on social media about “grown-up playgrounds” for the 55+ crowd. At first I thought the idea was silly. Now I’m kinda loving the concept. I have decided that aging is life’s next adventure. Let’s never be too old for recess. Playtime is for everyone and their inner child.