Funny how life turns out, isnt it? Things could have gone so differently. Our neighbour often says how lucky we areour kids always help us, and the grandchildren are popping in all the time.
Like todayour middle grandson, Harry, is coming round. Granddad helps him with maths and teaches him to do pull-ups on that old bar we put up in the garden.
Jane and Peter have just turned seventynot old at all! And theyve got three wonderful grandkids.
Last night, Jane, along with her granddaughterslittle Millie and the eldest, Gracebaked some biscuits. Perfect for a cuppa, and a treat for Harry when he arrives.
Jane, we need to get a globe, Peter suddenly said, pulling Jane from her thoughts, Harry and Millie just dont get the map. We need a proper big globe!
And a ball, too. Harry and I saw some lads playing basketball out back; he wants to have a go.
The doorbell rang. Harry was home from school.
Hi Gran! Hi Granddad! I picked up your favourite poppy seed buns on the way.
He hung up his coat and washed his hands straight awayJanes taught him well.
Hows school, then? What are the marks looking like? Peter asked.
Granddad, I got two Cs in maths. Can you help me out? Im all muddled up, Harry looked so disheartened.
Whats happened? I thought we went over it all last time. No worries, come on, lets sort it out.
Pete, let him eat first, hes only just walked in, Jane chided gently.
And a bowl of Janes famous vegetable soup for me too! Peter winked at his grandson.
After lunch, Harry settled down to study with his granddad. Jane watched them with a heart full of affection.
Soon the garden season will start. The fresh country air, so sweet and lovely. The younger grandkids, Millie and Harry, will stay with them at their cottage, while Grace usually visits at weekends with her parents. Shes nearly seventeen nowso grown up.
Grace is doing her nursing placement at the hospital, and she really enjoys it. She wants to go on and become a doctor, help others. Shes a brilliant girlstrong and kind-hearted. Shell do well, Im sure of it.
Jane walked over to the sideboard and picked up a photo frame.
Oh, my darling Jack, if only you could see us now. I hope you can forgive us; maybe we did something wrong, missed something, or couldnt help when it mattered. I know you struggled. But, you know, lifes such a mixjoys and sorrows all tangled together. You left too soon, love. Theres nothing we can do now. Its too late to change it.
Jane, are you listening? Julia and Max are here, and Millies with them! Peter called.
Granny! Little Millie hurled herself into Janes arms and hugged her tight.
Look at me, Granny, Millie said, turning Janes face to hers with her tiny hands. See my lovely hair? Just like yours! Because I look like you. I love you so much, Granny, and hugged her again, nearly making Jane cry.
Dont squeeze Granny too hard, Julia said, smiling with Max, Did you forget you have something for Granny?
Oh! Right, Granny, let me go! Millie hopped down and dug a sheet out of her mums handbag. LookI drew this in nursery. Thats you, thats Granddad, thats Mum and Dad, thats Grace, Harry, and me! Its a present for you and Granddad. Isnt it lovely, Granny? Do you like it?
Its wonderful. Youve made everyone look just right! Peter, come and see what our granddaughters drawn for us. Ill frame itlook at our lovely big family!
Well, wed best get going. Harry, are you packed up? Dont leave your bag behind. Jane, Peter, why dont you come to ours for lunch tomorrow? The kids have put a little show together. Right, thanks so much. See you then!
The door clicked shut. Jane and Peter sat down with their tea.
Were really lucky, Pete, arent we? Look at our big family.
Thats true, Janey.
Remember when Jack brought Julia home? I was chuffed to bits, thinking maybe things would settle down for him, and for a year, everything was lovely. Then it all started up againbad company, those women
Dont, Jane, dont cry, murmured Peter, putting his arm around her.
And then Julia left, and Jackwell, that fight, and suddenly he was gone. Just gone, our boy.
There now, love, dont get upset, Peter wiped away her tears.
I know, Pete. Millies drawing just got me thinking. Im so grateful we found Julia when she was expecting, after Jack passed. And that she met Max, and thanks to themand alongside Gracewe ended up with Harry and Millie as grandchildren too. Theyre every bit ours, no matter what.
And you know, if we were meant to carry all these trials, Id still say were the luckiest grandparents alive.
Our familythese are the people who mean everything.
Where theres love, and a bit of kindness, the sadness just cant take hold.
