Member-only story
The Hardest Lesson To Learn
Taught by one so tiny yet so wise
I turn the television volume down, sure I had heard a voice speaking from down the hallway. I listen intently and swear I can hear my three year old talking in her bedroom. Is she talking in her sleep?
I climb from my chair and slowly tiptoe down the hallway, until I’m standing outside Celia’s bedroom door, which is partially open.
I hear Celia speak, “Billy, why is my Mummy so sad all the time. She thinks I don’t see the tears that fall down her face.”
My hand flies up to cover my mouth in shock. I thought I had been hiding my pain and heartache from my little girl. When has she seen me cry? I only allow the tears to fall when I’m certain Celia is fast asleep.
As I stand there asking myself these questions, I hear an unexpected response in a deep gravelly voice.
“Your Mummy lost her Daddy last week. Do you remember Mummy telling you that Grandpa has gone to forever sleep?”
I await Celia’s response.
“Yes Grandpa won’t be coming to see me anymore. Mummy told me he is sleeping and he won’t wake up. I miss my Grandpa,” she says.
“That’s right. Your Mummy misses him too and sometimes that makes her terribly sad. But you and Mummy can help…
