On Fear and All!

Coming out of the house, she found her grandpa sitting on a wooden bench in the garden. He was smoking his pipe and looking at the swifts flying high up in the sky. She climbed on his lap and put her little arms around his neck.

 

"Are you ever afraid, Grandpa?" asked the little girl.

"What should I fear?" he replied.

"Getting old?" she asked.

"But as time passes, you become wiser and learn to appreciate all the little things that life has to offer."

"What about death, Grandpa?"

"Why should I fear death when I've known life? Nothing lasts forever, my love. What matters is making every day of your life count. I've loved and been loved...I've known friendship, generosity and kindness...I've come across hate, jealousy, numerous problems, but even those helped me in the long run because I survived through them and came out stronger, my spirit unscathed. I've had a full life, my little one. I've seen beautiful places and people...I've seen the world change; sometimes for the best, some others not, but still there was change. I've been blessed with the joy to become a father and then I was still around when you came along, my love! So, no! When my time comes, I won't be afraid. I won't fight my fate because I would know that I'm content, that I've lived everything I was supposed to and it's just time for me to leave; maybe, to a new or better place..."

"Then, I shouldn't be afraid, either?" she asked.

"No, you shouldn't! But what are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid of COCKROACHES, Grandpa!"

Reviews

[Sharon Kim]

I like this! The grandfather imparts his profound wisdom about a full life and she's afraid of cockroaches! This made me smile because it really shows the perspectives of someone reflecting back on their life and someone who has their life ahead of them. Very nice! :)

[Catlen]

Thank you very much. I enjoyed writing that too.

[Samuel Dickens]

Yes, I hate those creepy things, too. This is a great little story, Catlen, and this grandpa sees life much like I do.

[Catlen]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[emmajoy]

What a lump in the throat write, tis beautiful. I love the charm and colour and wisdom of this. Methinks it's because it reads so smoothly and sincerely .. and that makes every word and ensuing thought memorable. Thank you for .. each letter.

(not keen on those nasty, yucky creatures either ... bet they went onto the ark in battalions!)

[Catlen]

Thank you Emma. I appreciate it.

[Catlen]

You've just made me shiver, Emma. Roaches in battalions! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[emmajoy]

Laughing, what a picture, huh?!

[Sam]

LOL! Yes I am afraid of them too. Cute story really keeps you reading. Thank you for sharing.

[Catlen]

It was funny in the end, wasn't it? Totally me, though. I fear nothing but them!

[Sam]

Haha! Evil little creatures give me chills just thinking about them.

[Catlen]

Haha! Another common thing for us to share, then!

[Sam]

Big Smile and the list goes on