I want to thank everyone who has sent an email or a note over the past two weeks. Your kinds words of support and love at this time in our lives has been a blessing for the whole family.
This week, I am turning my site over to my son Joshua. Many of you have asked when I might start writing again and posting new content; the answer is “soon.” Stephanie and I have taken a step back from everything over the past couple of weeks and spent the majority of our time with the children and each other. But operations at Irishman For Hire will return to normal soon. Which brings me to my son Josh…
The day after my mother-in-law’s funeral, Josh met with his counselor. As she spoke to him about grandma and grief, she told him to tell her the story of how he was feeling about the loss of his grandmother. While he spoke, she wrote every word he said down on a piece of paper. When I read it later that day, my heart broke all over again. His words were sad, insightful, but most importantly, as I came to the end of his story, his words were full of compassion and love. I have always heard the expression, “Out of the mouths of babes.” Well, my six year-old floored me with the tribute he “wrote” for his grandmother.
This past weekend, Josh asked me if I would post his story on my website and share it with family and friends. After a lot of thought about his request; tonight, I am honoring it.
My Grandmother
By: JoshI love my grandmother. She was very nice. She was sick for a while. I think she was sick before I was born. I liked doing sleepovers at her house. I started sleeping over there when I was four years old, so that’s almost three years. I liked to have hot chocolate with my grandmother, when it was cold or not cold. I liked playing games with her.
I used to have a great grandmother but she died a long time ago, maybe when I was three years old. The only thing I remember about my great grandmother was having apple sauce with her. She was my grandmother’s mother.
I went to my grandmother’s funeral yesterday. It was sad at the funeral. We wrote a message to my grandmother, tied it to a balloon and let the balloon go. I can’t remember what the message said. They played a movie we gave to my grandma for her birthday. It was hard to be there, but I stayed the whole time. I was going to cry but I didn’t because I didn’t want to. I’ve cried at home about her dying.
I knew she was going to die because she was so sick, but it was still hard when she finally died. She was sick a long time. She died at home with all of us home. Now my grandmother is up in Heaven and I keep my memory of her in my heart.
I love my grandmother. She was great. I’m glad she was my grandmother and I got to know her before she died.
13 responses to “From My Son”
I think Josh takes after his father with the love of writing. I am so proud to have such a sensitive and caring young man for a son! Like father like son!
Wow. What a sweetheart. 🙂
How great was that trip to his counselor! Children can express themselves so perfectly. He does have your way with words.
Enjoy spending time with your family.
What a great kid,i hope to meet him soon.
You guys take care of each other.
Doug and Stephanie,
I was very sorry to hear about your Mom. I was honored to have met her when Wendy and I came to visit what seems like forever ago. I’m sure my Dad was there to welcome her into Heaven. The day she died was the one year anniversary of my Dad’s death. I miss you guys like crazy and WILL see you the next time I’m up that way come heck or high water. Joshua’s tribute was very moving. Doug, he does write like you!Give my love to him and Chloe. Can’t wait to see them too!
Love you all,
Bob and Wendy
What a great legacy you are building with your children. They wouldn’t be able to express their feelings without yours and Stephanie’s example.
God Bless
You guys have a very smart and sweet little boy who clearly takes after both his parents! I am sorry your mother passed away Steph, but obviously she left a great, positive imprint on this earth (and in our hearts) before moving on. Hugs to all of you!
Good job Josh, well said.
Hi Doug,
Josh’s words were very moving and I agree, he has a way with words just like you and at such an early age. You and Stephanie have done a great job with Chloe and Josh and I am grateful that you allowed your fans to partake in reading your son’s words.
Peace & Blessings to your entire family!
Uncle David and I are surprised about the depth of his beautiful and sensitive writing. What a treasure he created to keep forever. He is a very special boy, just like all of you are a very special family.
God Bless you all always.
Hey Uncle Doug!
This is very cool of Josh, and you for posting it! He seems very mature.
Thank you for putting a link to my blog!!! I just put up that English essay/short story I wrote for 11th grade. haha
Cya!
Marc
It is great to know that grandmother left such a great impression on a kid.
Wonderful post.