Retired grandmother Mary Elizabeth sighed deeply as she struggled to turn onto her other side. Pain throbbed in her joints, her legs swollen and heavy. She was exhausted, worn down by endless appointments with doctors, tired of the medicines and the waiting.
She lived alone, never having married. Her only son, James, was born many years ago, the result of a first love that faded with time. The flat was quiet, until a sudden knock at the door echoed down the hallway. Gathering what strength she had, Mary managed to reach the door and open it.
On the threshold stood her son James and his wife, Alice. Clinging to Alices coat was her little grandson, Charlie, just four years old, his small hands gripping a toy car. Beside him, a large English bulldog waited patiently.
Mum, this wont take long. Weve got to make a quick trip back. Charlie and Meatball will stay with you, just for about five days. Well fetch them as soon as we can, said her son hurriedly.
But Im not well, I can barely get around, I Mary started, leaning heavily against the doorframe.
We wouldnt ask this of you unless we had no other choice, honestly, Alice said, tears filling her eyes. Its justwe cant take a child and a dog on an eight-hour drive. My mum She broke off, sobbing.
Charlie started crying in sympathy, and even Meatball seemed to sigh. Marys heart clenched. I have to do something, she thought.
Her illness had crept up on her six months earlier.
She was only 60, but it felt as if everyone her age in England walked with a stick. One day life was fine, the next, her health betrayed her.
Mary remembered that Jamess mother-in-law, Irene, had been seriously ill. Irenes husband, John, had passed away long ago. Now Irene toolife faded in an instant, taking her at an even younger age.
James and Alice hurried away. Now Mary, feeling the sharp ache in her shoulders and legs, stared at the pair before her: her small grandson, and the big, gentle dog.
Charlie nestled into the bulldogs broad side, the dog licking his cheek.
Charlie Erm, hes not dangerous, right? Why so big and gruff? You could have got a poodle, surely! Whats he supposed to be? Mary managed to say.
Thats Meatball, Gran. Hes really sweetan English bulldog, Charlie replied, stroking the dogs ears.
So you need to take him out for walks? Mary asked, grasping her chest.
Shed only ever kept cats, and those had been gone for years. She had no experience with a dogcertainly not a bulldog.
Marys heart ached for Alices mother, taken so early. But how could she, with all her aches and pains, manage an energetic boy and a hulking dog?
We need to feed him too! He likes meat and porridge. Anywaylets go out, Gran, its time! Charlie said with serious independence, pulling on his wellies.
Mary couldnt remember what she wore as she shuffled outside, holding the lead of the dog and Charlies small hand. She hadnt been out in a weekshed felt too ill. Now she forced herself through the pain, tears smarting in her eyes. Oh Lord, help me! she prayed silently. There was no one else to help her grandson and that dog.
To her relief, Meatball trotted calmly, ignoring barking dogs in the park and never tugging the lead. For the first time, Mary felt a flicker of respect for him, even straightened her back as they passed the local ladies on the benchthe village chorus of gossip.
Visitors, are they? But you said you were sick! How are you going to handle a child and a dog? Itll be the finish of you, Mary! Charlie, why are you here troubling your Gran? And you bring a bulldog, tooyour parents havent a care! called a sharp voiceZina, from the fifth house along.
Mary felt Charlies little hand tense in hers. Even Meatball cast a withering look at the busybodies.
Enough! None of your business! I asked them to bring Charlie! And Im not an invalid. The dog, by the way, is a proper show champion! So there! she barked, finding a sudden courage. And if you ever make such comments around my grandson again My sons with his wife, saying goodbye to her mother. Its a sad duty, not a holiday! Mary strode off, forgetting her limp.
Dont listen to them, Charlie. Gran always loves you, Mary whispered in the lift, hugging the boy tight.
Gran, you wont go up to heaven like Granny Irene, will you? Mum and Dad said she lives there now. But Grandads there I only have you left, Gran. Dont go away, please. I love you! Charlie sobbed, hugging her knees.
Hush now, darling. Grans not going anywhere! Youll be sick of me yet! Ill take you to school, to university, and wait for you when you come back from the Army! Ill always be herealways! Mary promised, pulling him close.
That night, she cooked dinnerdespite the pain. She found the strength to pop to the corner shop. In the evening, she walked Meatball through the crescenthe plodded calmly at her side, dignified as ever.
When Charlie and Meatball were asleep, she sipped her pills, her body aching as if shed dug a trench in the garden all night. But through it all, Mary remembered Charlies words, his tears, his fear of losing her.
Lord, just a little relief. Im not asking for myself My grandson needs me, she whispered into the dark.
The next day, they played with carsMary crawling on the carpet with Charlie, something she hadnt done for years. Together they stirred porridge on the hob. Then they bathed Meatball, whod managed to roll about in a rain puddle.
Without thinking, Mary planted a kiss on the dogs damp head.
Why did I think he was scary? Hes clever and lovelywhat a wonder dog! she muttered, drying Meatball off.
Charlie, whys he called Meatball? she asked.
Charlie giggled. He loves meatballs, Gran! Though his real name is something with a T but Meatballs better!
The days flew past in a blur of fairy tales and cartoonsCharlie taught Mary to work the tablet, and together they read and played. Charlie was already spelling out words. Meatball begged for scraps of cheddar, or dozed in the armchair.
One evening, her son rang the landline.
Mum, how are you coping? We had no choice We might need a couple more days. I cant imagine how youre doing this, not well as you are. But where could they go?
Im managing just fine! Honestly, dont fret. Im a grandmother! Stay as long as Alice needs. Support hershes just lost her mother. Dont worry about me, the Lord keeps us going. We get older, but we can cope with anything! Mary replied, a new sense of strength in her voice.
As James and Alice finally got back, they half-expected to find Mary, exhausted and broken, struggling on her feet. Charlie and Meatballhow had she managed?
Alice Is that your mum? James pointed. Mary was joggingwell, shuffling as fast as she could, after a football, with Charlie squealing and Meatball charging behind. Shed not moved so quickly in years.
Its her! Mum, youre amazing! James exclaimed.
When it was time to leave, Charlie clung to Mary, crying.
Oh CharlieGran will visit you in just two weeks! We’ll go for tea, and ride the carousel! Wait for me! Mary swooped him into her armsthose arms which had struggled to even lift a kettle, not so long before.
Mum! Hes heavyyoull do yourself an injury! James protested.
Doesnt matterwait for me, Charlie! Everything will be all right. Goodbye, Meatball! Gran will visit you soon and we’ll go for walks! Mary laughed, her eyes sparkling.
Mary told me this story herself, as my neighbour. She truly was unwell, barely movingbut something changed, and she got going again. It amazed everyone in the street.
Charlie and Meatball healed me, she said. Some aches are still there, but they dont matter. Never lie down and dwell on it, or you may never get up. Don’t pity yourselfit only makes it worse.
Not all miracles come by way of doctors and pills. Sometimes, its love. I asked myself: how would Charlie and that dog manage if I lay in bed? Thats what made me get up! Suddenly, I was moving again because they needed me.
We all need a reason to live! However tough or painful things are, get up and keep goingfor those little hands that trust you, your grandchildren. Theres nothing better in this world!
For your children, your partners, or for the pets who need you, too.
Pray for strength, dig deep for willpower. Theres nothing in this world we cant face together. In hard times, our bodies find strength we never knew we had.
And enjoy every dayrejoice in life! Mary advises us all.
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