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The Dearest of Kin: A Heartwarming Tale of Three Generations, Grandchildren’s Laughter, and Family Bonds in the Smith Household
Funny how life turns out, isnt it? Things could have so easily gone differently. Our neighbour is always amazed at how lucky we areour children spoil us, and the grandkids are always popping round.
Like today, for instancemiddle grandson, Tommy, is dropping by. Grandad spends time with him, helping him with his maths homework, and teaches him how to do pull-ups on the bar outside in the garden.
Anne and Paul are just past seventy, still as sprightly as ever! And honestly, their three grandchildren are the apples of their eyes.
Last night, Anne made biscuits with her two granddaughterslittle Millie and older Grace. Plenty for an afternoon cuppa, and to treat Tommy when he arrives.
Annie, we really ought to buy a globe, piped up Paul out of the blue, pulling Anne from her thoughts. Tommy and Millie cant seem to get their heads around geography with just the map. We need a big globe, love!
And a ball, too. Tommy and I saw some lads playing basketball in the park and now he fancies having a go.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Tommy was back from school.
Hi Gran! Hi Grandad! I grabbed your favourite iced buns from the bakery on my way here.
He hung up his coat, headed straight to the sink to wash his handsalways does things Grans way.
So, how was school? Any marks to show us? Paul asked.
Grandad, I got two Cs in maths. Youll help me crack it, wont you? Tommys eyes gave away his worry. Im just not getting it, Grandad.
Whats tripping you up? Thought we nailed it last time. No worries, lets sit down together and get to the bottom of it.
Paul, hes only just walked inlet him have something to eat first, then you can get to the numbers.
Well, pour me a bowl of soup while youre at it, Paul winked at Tommy, grinning.
After lunch, Tommy trotted off to study with Grandad. Anne gazed after them, her heart swelling.
It wont be long until its time to head out to their allotment. Theres nothing like the fresh countryside air. The younger two, Millie and Tommy, will spend the holidays with them there, while Grace usually visits with her parents at weekends. Shes nearly seventeen, all grown up.
Grace is studying nursing, doing her placement at the hospital. She loves it and wants to go on and become a doctorwants to help people. Such a good girl, full of spirit and so caring. Shell do brilliantly, Im sure.
Anne wandered over to the sideboard and picked up a framed photo.
Oh, my darling boy, Ben, if only you could see us now! Forgive us, son, maybe we got things wrong or let you down somehow. We just couldnt help, we couldnt save youthe world just got too much for you. Anne straightened up and blinked back the tears. No, Ben, Im not crying. I just hope wherever you are, you can see us and that it makes you happy. Life is such a muddle, isnt it? Happiness and heartache all jumbled up. You didnt get to see enough of it, son. But whats done is done. Nothing can be changed now.
Annie, did you not hear? Julies here with Max, and theyve brought Millie too!
Granny! the smallest granddaughter squealed, launching herself at Anne and hugging her tightly with those little warm hands.
Look at me, Granny! Millie said, turning Annes face to hers. Do you like my hair? I did it just like yours! Because I want to be like you. I love you so much, Granny. She hugged her tight, and Anne almost burst into tears.
Carefuldont squeeze Granny too much! Julie and Max laughed, watching them. Millie, didnt you have something to give Granny?
Oh! Granny, let me down. Millie wriggled free, reached into her mums bag and pulled out a drawing. Look, I did this at nursery! Thats you, thats Grandad, thats Mummy and Daddy, thats Grace, Tommy, and me! Its our whole family. Dyou like it, Granny?
I love it. And youve drawn everyone just right! Paul, come and see what your granddaughter made us. Ill put this in a frame, itll make me smile every time I look at it. What a lovely big family we have!
Alright now, Anne, well be off. Tommy, got your backpack? Dont forget it. Anne, Paul, you must come to ours for Sunday lunch tomorrow. The children have something special planned. Thanks for everythingsee you tomorrow!
The door closed behind them, and Anne and Paul sat down for a cup of tea.
Isnt it wonderful, Paul, having such a big family?
It is, Annie.
Do you remember when Ben first brought Julie home? I was so happythought hed finally found his feet. For a while, everything seemed right. I couldnt have been happier. But then, things changed again. That lot he started hanging about with
Lets not go over it, love, Paul comforted her, embracing her.
And then Julie left. And Ben well, that fight, and he was gone. Lost our boy just like that.
Come on, Annie, dont dwell on it, Paul gently wiped away her tears.
I know, Paul. Millies drawing just got me thinking how lucky we are that we found Julie when she was expecting, after Ben passed. That she met Max, and now weve got not just Grace, but Tommy and Millie too. Theyre every bit as dear to us as the rest, no matter what.
And I honestly think, Paul, that if all of this was meant to be our path, then we really are the luckiest grandparents in the world.
Our big familytheyre the people who matter most.
Where theres love and togetherness, theres no room left for sorrow.
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No One Left to Talk To: A Story “Mum, what are you saying? How can you say you’ve got no one to talk to? I call you twice a day,” her daughter asked wearily. “No, sweetheart, that’s not what I meant,” Nina Anderson sighed sadly. “I just don’t have any friends or acquaintances left who are my age. From my time.” “Mum, don’t talk nonsense. You still have your school friend Irene. And honestly, you’re so modern and you look much younger than you are. Oh, Mum, what’s wrong?” her daughter fretted. “You know Irene has asthma; when she talks on the phone she starts coughing. And she lives all the way on the other side of the city. There were three of us friends, remember I told you? But Mary’s been gone for a long time. Yesterday, Tanya from the flat next door popped in. I made her a cuppa—she’s a lovely woman, often drops by. She even brought over some buns she’d baked for her family. She told me about her children and grandchildren. She’s got grandchildren, even though she’s about fifteen years younger than me. But her childhood, her memories—they’re so different from mine. I just long for a chat with peers, people like me,” Nina Anderson explained, though she realised perfectly well that her daughter wouldn’t understand. She was still young. Her time wasn’t gone—it was just outside the window. She didn’t yet yearn for memories. Sveta was wonderful and caring; it wasn’t about her. “Mum, I got us tickets for a night of classic ballads on Tuesday. Remember you wanted to go? No more sulking—put on your burgundy dress, you look stunning in it!” “All right, darling, everything’s fine. I don’t know what came over me, good night, we’ll speak tomorrow. Go to bed early—you hardly get any sleep,” Nina changed the subject. “Yes, Mum, goodnight. Bye,” and Svetlana hung up. Nina Anderson gazed silently at the glittering evening lights outside… Year Eleven, also spring. So many plans. It seemed so recent. Her friend Irene fancied Simon Mallory from their class. But Simon liked Nina. He’d call her every evening, invite her out. But Nina thought of him as just a friend—why raise his hopes? Later Simon left for the army. He came back, married, lived in Irene’s old house. Back then everyone had a landline. The number… Nina Anderson dialled the number from memory. The tone didn’t come at once—then someone picked up, there was rustling and then a quiet man’s voice: “Hello, I’m listening.” Maybe it’s too late? Why did I call? Maybe Simon doesn’t even remember me, or maybe it’s not him at all! “Good evening,” Nina’s voice rasped a little with nerves. There was more static on the line, then suddenly she heard an astonished voice: “Nina? Is that really you? Of course it is. I’d know your voice anywhere. How did you find me? I’m only here by chance….” “Simon, you recognised me!” A wave of joyful memories swept over Nina Anderson. No one had called her by her name for ages—just “mum”, “granny”, or “Mrs Anderson”. Well, except Irene. But just “Nina” sounded so wonderful, so fresh—as if the years hadn’t passed at all. “Nina, how are you? I’m so glad to hear from you.” Those words made her ridiculously happy. She’d feared he wouldn’t recognise her, or her call would be out of place. “Do you remember Year Eleven? When Simon and Victor took you and Irene out in that rowing boat? He’d blistered his hands on the oars and tried to hide it. Then we ate ice cream on the riverside while the music played,” Simon’s voice was soft and wistful. “Of course I remember!” Nina laughed joyfully, “And that class camping trip? We couldn’t get the tins open, we were so hungry!” “Oh yes,” Simon chuckled, “Then Victor opened them and we sang songs by the campfire. Do you remember? After that, I decided to learn the guitar.” “And did you?” Nina’s voice rang with youthful delight at all these shared memories. It was like Simon was reviving their happy past, recalling detail after detail. “So, how are things now?” Simon asked, but immediately answered himself, “Actually, I can tell from your voice you’re happy. Children, grandchildren? You still writing poems? I remember: ‘To dissolve into the night and be reborn by morning!’ So full of hope! You always were like sunshine, Nina! You bring warmth to everyone, no one could be cold around you. Your family’s so lucky—to have a mum and granny like you is pure gold.” “Oh, come off it, Simon, I’m long past that. My time’s over, I—” He interrupted. “Come on, you give out so much energy I think my phone’s about to melt! Just kidding. I don’t believe you’ve lost your zest for life—not a bit. That means your time isn’t over yet, Nina. So live—and be happy. The sun shines for you. And the breeze chases clouds across the sky for you. And the birds sing for you!” “Simon, you’re still such a romantic. What about you? I’m going on and on about myself…” But suddenly there was a crackle and the call cut out. Nina sat there, phone in hand. She wanted to ring back, but it was late—better not. Another time. What a wonderful chat they’d had—so many memories! The sudden ringtone made Nina jump. Her granddaughter. “Yes, Daisy, hello, I’m still up. What did Mum say? No, my mood’s fine. I’m going to a concert with Mum. Are you coming over tomorrow? Wonderful, see you then. Bye.” In an unexpectedly good mood, Nina Anderson went to bed, head full of plans. As she drifted off, she found herself composing lines for a new poem… In the morning, Nina decided to visit Irene. Just a few stops on the tram—she wasn’t a creaky old nag yet. Irene was delighted: “At last! You’ve been promising for ages. Ooh, is that an apricot tart? My favourite! Well, spill, what’s brought this on?” Irene coughed, pressing her hand to her chest, then waved Nina’s concern away. “It’s all right, new inhaler—I’m better. Come on, let’s have tea. Nina, you look younger somehow—come on, tell me!” “I don’t know—my fifth youth!” Nina laughed as she sliced the tart. “Yesterday I rang Simon Mallory by accident… remember your crush in Year Eleven? We got to reminiscing—I’d forgotten half of it. What’s up, Irene? Not another asthma attack?” Irene sat pale and silent, then whispered: “Nina, you didn’t know? Simon passed away a year ago. He lived in another part of town—he moved from that old place ages ago.” “You must be joking! How? Who was I talking to? He remembered everything about our school days. My mood was terrible before talking to him. But after we spoke, I felt life was carrying on—that I still had strength, and joy for living… How could it be?” Nina couldn’t believe Simon was gone. “But I heard his voice. He said such beautiful things: ‘The sun shines for you. And the breeze chases clouds across the sky for you. And the birds sing for you!’” Irene shook her head, sceptical of her friend’s story. Then she surprised Nina by saying: “Nina, I don’t know how, but it really does sound like it was him. His words, his style. Simon loved you. I think he wanted to support you… from the other side. And it looks like he did. I haven’t seen you so happy and full of energy for ages. One day, someone will piece your tattered heart back together. And you’ll finally remember—what it feels like to be… simply happy.”
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