Funny how life works out sometimes. It all could have turned out so differently. The neighbour is always amazed at their luckchildren always looking out for them, and the grandchildren dropping by constantly.
This afternoon, their middle grandchild, Tom, is due to visit. Granddad always helps him with his maths homework, and teaches him to do pull-ups on the bar out in the garden.
Anne Johnson and Paul Evans are just a little over seventy. Still young at heart! And they have three wonderful grandchildren.
Last night, Anne baked a batch of biscuits with her two granddaughters, the littlest, Molly, and the eldest, Grace. Now theres something nice for tea, and a few treats for Tom, too.
Annie, love, we ought to buy a globe, Pauls voice breaks Annes thoughts. Tom and Molly just dont get the hang of maps. We need a nice big globe to show them!
And well need a football as well. Tom and I saw the lads out playing in the park, and now hes desperate to join in.
Just then, the doorbell rings. Tom arrives home from school.
Hello, Grandma! Hello, Granddad! I popped into the bakery and picked up your favourite Chelsea buns on the way.
He hangs up his coat, washes his handsjust as Grandma taught him.
How was school? Paul asks. Any grades to report?
Granddad, I got two Cs in maths, Tom says, eyes downcast. Will you help me? Im all muddled up.
Didnt we go over that last time? Never mind, lets get stuck in and sort it together.
Let the boy have something to eat first, Paul, Anne chimes in.
Well, I could go for a bowl of stew with some nice thick cream myself, Paul winks cheerfully at his grandson.
After lunch, Tom sits down with his granddad for a study session. Anne watches them fondly as they set to work.
Soon it will be gardening season againincredible, with that fresh, sweet air outside the city. The youngest grandchildren, Molly and Tom, will stay at the allotment with them. Grace, almost seventeen now, usually comes for weekends with her parents.
Grace is studying at the nursing college and is currently on work placement at the hospital. Shes loving it. After this, she wants to study further and become a doctora kind-hearted, strong girl, destined to help people. Anne has no doubt shell succeed.
Anne goes to the dresser, picks up a framed photo.
My darling boy, David, if only you could see us now. Forgive us, perhaps your father and I were to blame. We must have done something wrong. We couldnt help you, son, you just couldnt cope, she whispers, chin raised and eyelids fluttering. No, Im not crying, love. I just hope, wherever you are, you see how were living now, and it brings you peace. Life is funnyso much is mixed together, joy and sorrow alike. You didnt get the chance to see enough of it, my boy. But theres no changing things now. Too late for that.
Annie, do you hear? Julia and Max are hereand Mollys with them!
Grandma! Molly shrieks, flying into Annes arms and hugging her with her little hands, warm and clingy.
Look at me, Grandma! Molly turns Annes face to her own. See my lovely hairstyle? Just like yours. Because I look like you! I love you so much, Grandma! She squeezes Annes neck while Anne nearly bursts into tears.
Dont squeeze Grandma too tight, now, Julia and Max smile, watching. Did you forget you brought her something?
Oh yes! Grandma, let go Molly wiggles down from Annes lap and rummages through Mums bag for her drawing. Look! I did this at nursery. This is you, and this is Granddad, thats Mum and Dad, and thats Grace, Tom, and me! I drew it for you and Granddad. Our whole big familydo you like it, Grandma?
I absolutely love iteveryones so recognisable! Paul, come see what our granddaughter has drawn for us. Im going to frame this and keep it on display. Just lovelyour whole family together!
Well then, Anne, wed better make tracks. Tom, are you ready? Dont forget your bag! Will you both come round for lunch tomorrow? The children have prepared a little show. Well see you thenthanks again and goodbye!
Once the door closes, Anne and Paul settle with a cup of tea.
Its wonderful, Paul, isnt it, having such a big family?
It is, Annie.
Remember when David brought Julia home? I was so happy. I thought maybe David was changing for the betterthings were good for a whole year. I couldnt have been happier. Then it all slipped awaythose rough mates, those awful girls
Dont, Annie, dont cry, Paul hugs her.
And then Julia left. Then David got into that fight, andjust like thathe was gone.
Oh, Annie, love, Paul gently dries her tears.
You know, Paul, Mollys drawing really touched me. Its such a blessing we found Julia when she was expectingafter David was gone. And when she met Max, and we ended up with Tom and Molly as grandchildren, along with Grace. Theyre all ours, no matter what.
“And Ill say this: if these trials were our fate, then I for one feel were the luckiest grandparents in the world.
Our familytheyre the closest, dearest people to us.
Where love and understanding live, sorrow finds no home.
