A grandson's wish
Montreal, QC, May 2008
This is a card our youngest son, Noah, made for my father when he was hospitalized for an extended period earlier this spring. As he carefully selected his colors and formed the words, he talked about how he knew that reading his card would make his Zaidy (grandfather) happy. His wish was so pure that I found myself blinking back tears.
He's sweet in a way that I can't quite describe: Pure of heart, always looking out for others before himself, filled with endless hugs and kisses because he knows they make people around him feel better. He genuinely felt that his card would have a similar effect.
I wish it could be so. But I figured we didn't have to have a discussion about the cold reality of his grandfather's health on that day. For a moment, at least, I wanted him to feel comfortable and secure in his bubble of childhood.
Your turn: The poignancy of childhood innocence. Please discuss.
One more thing: This photo continues this week's Thematic Photographic theme, poignant. I hope you'll join in this time out. Please click here to get started.
My son still believes that a kiss from his mommy can make any scratch or scrape better. I love that. I wish I still believed in that.
ReplyDeleteWhen my family scattered my brother's ashes my youngest niece came and stood in front of me, asked to be picked up and when I did she looked me in the eye, brushed away my tears and said simply "he shouldn't have died when he did"
ReplyDeleteI think about that moment every time I miss my brother.
Her little 8 year old words helped me that day, and every day since.
jc
Lovely photo and story Carmi.
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough call to shield or not shield from hard realities. My dad aimed to teach fear and grief, in models. I went to it seemed at least a funeral a month thru childhood. People put away their tears for the sake of my niece and nephew and they weren't even required to attend the family wake or wear black. Somewhere in between a healthy innocence?
To be honest, I think Noah has a lot of you in him, my dear.
ReplyDeleteYou are so supportive, kind and thoughtful, always with a gentle kind word for people....
You make me smile and your words have a healing quality that few people can achieve.
cq
things like this always tug at my heart strings.
ReplyDeleteWhile memories of my grandparents and elders include being 'shushed'...I do have fond memories of gathering with my many cousins. I have over 30 first cousins....there have always been one or two, usually three or four in most early memories!
oh, it must be hard for the little guy...
ReplyDeletemy boys were always around their grandparents..... it's where they would go for that little extra something... maybe a little teasing from Grandpa or that extra hug from Nana.... they could see their grandparents anytime they wanted... we all lived on the same property...
when grandpa fell ill.... the youngest was 14.... the oldest 17... it was a difficult time and they were hurting, a lot... I think talking about Grandpa helped and us being there when they needed a hug was important...
your son is much younger.... but he has parents that will be there for him, no matter what.... he just wants to make sure Zaidy knows that he loves him and maybe, just maybe, his beautiful cards will help make his Zaidy better..... i hope they do..