Cleaning my runny nose, I decided it was time to move forward, to honor Grandpa. I began constructing a refuge from twigs and foliage beneath a large oak tree. It was crude, but it sufficed for the evening.
The following morning, the brilliant sun awakened me. I moved through the forest, clutching that metal container like a support, remembering Grandpa. Recalling the occasions we fished together provided some comfort.
“Steady and patient,” I could nearly hear his voice. I even began singing one of his preferred songs, sensing his presence beside me.
Upon spotting a bridge far away, hope grew within me. With Grandpa’s teachings in my mind, I felt accompanied. However, the forest became a puzzling labyrinth, and fear began to set in.
Right when I believed I could not continue, I entered a clearing and fell down, completely drained. A dog discovered me then, and I heard multiple muted voices:
“She’s over here!”
Awakening in a hospital bed, I noticed Aunt Daphne beside me.
“I apologize,” I whispered, filled with remorse. “I’m truly sorry, Aunt Daphne.”
“Quiet, child. You’re secure now,” she spoke gently.
“I made errors,” I sobbed. “Grandpa was correct about everything!”
Aunt Daphne squeezed my hand and smiled. “He always cared for you, dear. Even during your anger at him, even when you didn’t understand his reasons. Do you recall your disappointment about not receiving that smartwatch just weeks before his death?”
“I never valued him or his actions for me. He was always present for me.”
Grandpa served as both my Mother and Father following their deaths. But I—”
“He knew you would change, dear. He always trusted you, even during times you didn’t trust yourself.”
At that moment, she reached into a bag next to her chair, retrieving a brightly colored package. My breathing stopped as I recognized the familiar blue wrapping material: the identical type Grandpa always used for presents.
“This belongs to you,” Aunt Daphne said softly, setting the package on my lap. The Xbox I had wanted.
“Grandpa wanted you to receive this,” Aunt Daphne explained. “He said once you discovered the worth of diligent work and grasped the significance of patience and determination, it would become yours.”
“I’ll behave well, Aunt Daphne,” I pledged. “I don’t require this anymore. I have understood my lesson.”
Aunt Daphne’s smile, now brighter and filled with authentic happiness, provided all the comfort I needed. Stretching to the bedside, I retrieved the small honey container.
“Would you care for some honey, Aunt Daphne?” I inquired, extending the sticky container.
Taking the container, she dipped a finger inside and sampled the honey. “It’s delicious,” she said, her voice gentle. “Exactly like you, Robyn. Exactly like you!”
Years have passed since that time. Currently, at 28, a million miles from that complaining teenager to a bee expert with two little rascals of my own (who fortunately adore honey!), I discovered a few things about responsibility.
Thank you, Grandpa! Thank you for all the lessons you shared with me! I murmur each time I observe the joy on my children’s faces when they savor honey.
That wonderful honey serves as a reminder of the special connection Grandpa and I had.
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