Inseparable

Andy Meacham: CLEARWATER — Jimmy Wise, a retired railroad engineer, was out of bed at the first suggestion of sunlight. He threw on an old pair of shorts and hit the beach right outside his condo.

Mr. Wise walked three or four miles beneath the seagulls and in a cool breeze, his metal detector sweeping over the sand. He saved the loose change for his grandson.

He set up several beach umbrellas for the gang of friends who would be there by 9. Then he walked back to the condo, woke up his wife, Bettie, and started breakfast.

He finished cooking and set the table. That was his role, getting everything ready for her.