top three sandwiches?"
Grandpa said nothing.
"Mine are chocolate
spread, raspberry jam,
and butter with grated
cheese," said Henry.
Grandpa looked at Henry
and sighed. "Tuna fish,"
he said. Henry grinned.
"What about second and third
place?"
Henry is missing the grandpa he used to know. Now, when Henry talks, Grandpa doesn't really listen. He gardens. Gardening is what he does, day in and day out. Henry is upset. He thinks his grandfather can no longer hear. His mother suggests Henry give him time. Why, we wonder.
Henry is impatient to have his happy, attentive Grandpa back. Henry asks a question about sandwiches. Grandpa seems slightly interested. So, begins a game between the two of them. What that does is encourage Grandpa to concentrate on his grandson once more, sharing lunch together at the pond. One response leads to more questions, more connections, and more joy in the world for each one.
Grandpa gives up his gardening to play with trains and talk about other favorite pastimes.
"Top three days out?" he asked.
Henry jumped out of bed. "The zoo.
The swimming pool. The park."
Grandpa winked.
"Better get dressed then, lad."
The game of threes continues during their busy day. Home and ready to search the sky with the telescope his Granny gave him, Henry asks the most important question of their day.
"Who are your top three
Grannies?" asked Henry.
Grandpa didn't answer.
"Mine are Granny who is dead.
Granny Agnes who lives on top of the shoe shop.
And the granny in 'Little Red Riding Hood.'
Only then is Grandpa able to talk about the Granny he has loved and lost.
This is a very special story about quiet grief. It flows beautifully, and is accompanied by emotional and busy watercolors that capture the love between the two. There is no rush; rather there is patience, tenderness, love and connection.
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