Professor Franklin Franklyn would have never been in church that night if it hadn’t been for his granddaughter’s Christmas play. He enjoyed spoiling his six-year-old princess, Maggie. When he and his wife, Katie, had arrived, the play had just begun.

At the entrance of the foyer, an older gentleman greeted them. Un­buckling her tan coat’s belt with one hand, Katie took the program from the greeter, and thanked him. Franklin proceeded to unbutton his winter coat as they dashed toward the coat rack.

Franklin helped his wife with her coat. “I hope we didn’t miss her dance.”

“I don’t think so.” She glanced at her gold watch, “We’re only seven minutes late. We didn’t miss it.”

As he shoved their coats into the packed cubby-space, Franklin felt someone bump his hip. He swiveled around. Looking around at his six-foot-four eye level, he didn’t see anyone. That is, until he felt another bump against his hip.

Next to him was a thin woman hunched over with her body wob­bling. Teetering, her red scarf swayed from her neck. Her red-furry hat covered most of her salt and pepper hair. Franklin leaned over a bit.

The woman was having difficulty. Her crooked fingers struggled to hang her coat on the hanger.

Franklin extended a hand toward her. “Young lady, may I help you with your coat?”

When she stood straight, she appeared shorter than he had per­ceived, but a bit taller than his petite wife.

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“Young lady?” her broad smile exposed her large yellowish, crooked teeth. “I don’t have to guess that you’re a charmer. I am proud to say that I have eleven grand-children and five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild in the oven. I’m ninety-two years young.”

Other than a few aging lines under her eyes and around her full lips, the smoothness of her light beige skin presented a much younger woman. “Ninety-two! Impossible! You look like you’re in your fifties.”

“Your charm won’t get you anywhere with me, young man. But since you’re a kind gentleman, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“I’d be honored.”

Katie assisted the woman with her scarf. “Mrs. McKinney, did you come alone?”

She must know the woman.

“Yes I did! I can drive myself though my family doesn’t think so.” She handed Katie her hat. “Timmy is narrating the play tonight.”

“Yes I know. I saw him during dress rehearsal last night. He’s very talented.”

Katie touched her arm. “Mrs. McKinney, I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce you to my husband, Frank. Honey, I’d like you to meet Mrs. McKinney.”

“This is Frank?” She appeared as ecstatic as a child who had caught Santa Claus with his bag of toys.

Franklin shook her cold and frail hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m so happy to meet you. I’ve been praying for you.”

Though he perceived prayer as a ridiculous ritual used to comfort religious people in times of need, he took no offense by her comment. Besides, he knew from experience that prayer neither helped nor hurt anyone.

“Katie, he’s tall like my darling Grant was. I can’t believe that it’s been three months since he went home to be with the Lord.”

A shiver jolted Franklin’s body. “Mrs. McKinney, I’m so very sorry.” He grabbed Katie’s hand. Just the thought of losing her disturbed him.

The corners of Mrs. McKinney’s lips turned upward. “Thank you. I know he’s with Jesus and I’ll see him soon, but I do miss him.” Her droop­ing eyelids contrasted the divine contentment written in her face.

“Granny!” a young-bubbly blond screeched, “There you are!” the long-legged teen wrapped her arm around Mrs. McKinney’s shoulders. “You should’ve let Daddy pick you up. We were worried about you.”

“I’m not completely helpless.”