My friends, Michael and Emily, live near the seaside. Last summer, the couple attended a christening where Michael was to be the godfather. After the church ceremony, as tradition holds, there was a celebratory reception. During the party, they met the godchilds grandparents. All evening, the pair couldnt hide their excitement that their grandchild had such a wonderful godfather. To them, Michael was the epitome of kindness, and they were delighted to be connected to someone so admirable.
They were especially pleased that Emily and her husband made their home right by the sea.
What a splendid godfather! the grandmother kept saying, absolutely thrilled. And he lives by the seasidehow lovely! Now we have someone to visit by the sea, and we wont have to rent anywhere. Its a real blessing. How lovely, Michael. We are so fortunate to have family ties with you!
Who could have predicted that the godchilds grandmother would stay so true to her word? Just a few weeks later, she arrived. Beforehand, the godchilds father, John, rang Michael to ask if his parents could come and stay for three or four days. After some discussion at home, Emily and Michael agreed to host them. It didnt feel right to turn them down. Yet it was peak season, both Michael and Emily were working full-time, and being hosts was far from convenient. Emily even had to take time off from work to make sure their guests were looked after properly.
When the grandparents arrived, they spent a few days lounging on the beach, then packed their bags and left, expressing their gratitude as they went.
Given they only had a small two-bedroom flat, Emily decided shed have to say no the next time they thought of brightening their lives with another visit. It was one thing to have friends and the godchild pop bythey were always welcome. But hosting friends parents was simply too much, especially with the holiday crowds and the necessity of saving some money for the coming winter.
When I heard about what happened, I couldnt help but be taken aback. The friends parents are not youngtheyre well over sixty, having already brought up their children and grandchildren. What was this about? Did they decide to take advantage of their family connections to enjoy a free seaside holiday?
I rather think so, and apparently, theyve even said theyll return…
