
Grandma’s Rebellion
We’d been watching the 6 o’clock news and suddenly there she was, on the screen… Grandma… chained to a table!
“Did anyone know she’d joined Extinction Rebellion?” Mum had exclaimed.
Dad had shaken his head and looked at me.
“She never said a word,” I’d assured them.
Ten minutes later we were heading to Covent Garden.
We’d arrived to find the tourist hotspot cordoned off and the table surrounded by police. Mum had been terrified that Grandma might be arrested so Dad had asked a policeman if we could bring her out. After some reluctance he’d agreed, on the condition that only one of us be allowed in.
“It has to be you Toby, you’re the only one she’ll listen to,” they’d both decided.
And that’s how I’d found myself under a bright pink table, at least 4 metres in size with the words ‘change is now’ painted on the side. I’d located Grandma right at the centre. She’d greeted me with a welcoming smile, as if I’d arrived for Sunday lunch and, despite my best efforts, had adamantly refused to leave.
I wasn’t surprised. If Grandma wasn’t marching, she was rallying. But Extinction Rebellion weren’t popular. The public resented the disruption they created and I’d voiced my concerns.
“I understand the public’s perception Toby,” Grandma had admitted, “but sometimes words aren’t enough to bring about change.”
She’d gone on to explain the reason she was there: to demand the Government end their investment in fossil fuels. She’d explained that when fossil fuels were burned, they released large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. And how these greenhouse gases trapped heat in our atmosphere, causing global warming.
The consequences she described were scary – an increased risk of fires, drought and floods and the impact it would have on my and future generations.
I’d never taken global warming that seriously but her words really hit home.
When the table was eventually dismantled and we were told to leave, I’d left with a different perspective and view of XR. The planet was more important than a little inconvenience.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello, Linda. I am with grandma. Sometimes we need to take any action to bring about change because words are not enough for the life of the future generation. I admire grandma’s courage to take the step. In addition, the sentence ” The planet was more important than a little inconvenience” resonated with me so much. Nicely done. Good job.
Thank you so much for commenting on my story Lotchie. I, too, am with Grandma. You are right, it does take courage to make a stand and more often than not actions do speak louder than words. I am reminded of the suffragettes and the battle they fought all those years ago to give women the right to vote.
You’re welcome, Linda.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA great story, Linda! I’ve heard about Extinction Rebellion, but don’t know much about it. Is it a big thing in your part of the country? I read something recently about their protest in London where they “painted the town red”. How are people in general reacting? Is their work helping? Hurting?
Good for grandma! I love that it was the grandma in your story that joined up, not the young whippersnappers!
Hi Fuji, it was while watching a 92-year-old gentleman on TV, supporting XR, that planted the seed for Grandma. Support for the group has grown quickly and there are now about 130 groups across the UK, although recent stats show 54% of British adults either strongly or somewhat oppose the disruption caused. The group were, however, responsible for ensuring the climate emergency was a top issue during our 2019 General Election with… Read more »
This was fun to read, Linda, but also serious, reminding us of all that is at stake. Great job!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Juma, it was a challenge installing some humour into climate change but Grandma really helped!
Quiet rarely brings about change. So, a racket sometimes has to be made. Grandma is brave and I really appreciate that you made the ‘hero’ of the story a woman ? . Great work, Linda!
Thanks so much Melissa. I’ve recently finished writing a novella based around a family’s New Year’s Eve party where the Nan plays a huge part so I think she influenced my decision! I agree, the loudest voice always has the greatest impact and I find it hard to disagree with XR’s strategies.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI like ‘Grandma’s Rebellion,’ Linda. Though it is on the serious subject of climate change, it is leavened with a little humour.
Thanks so much Dipayan, I’m glad you liked it!
You’re welcome.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleBrilliant story Linda. Very well written, and loved that it was Grandma who chose to make a stand. The embarrassment at Grandma making a scene made me smile. Very well done; loved it!
Thanks so much Carrie. I originally found this prompt quite challenging but the idea of Grandma joining XR made me smile too, so she really saved the day!
A nice story, Linda. But if I may ask, what is the meaning of XR?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Thompson. XR is an abbreviation used for Extinction Rebellion.
Hi Thompson – I was also curious about XR, so I searched and found this info on Wikipedia: “Extinction Rebellion (abbreviated as XR) is a global environmental movement with the stated aim of using nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action to avoid tipping points in the climate system, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse.” The full wiki entry is here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinction_Rebellion Also, I am really enjoying this… Read more »
Thank you, Chris, for the further clarification.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI loved the eco-warrior grandma! She became a great example for her family, especially her grandchildren, she woke them up, made them think. She is the past who offers a future and a hope…
I love your description of Grandma, Greene. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. They are really appreciated. ?
What a shock to the family to discover grandma on the 6 o’clock news, chained to a table! At the same time as it is funny to have somebody from the older generation rebelling, it is a very serious thing. It shows that anybody can take responsibility and make a difference. A language question, Linda, just out of curiosity. You chose to tell the whole story in past perfect. I was waiting… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Christer, I was surprised at just how many of the older generation are protesting. My idea for Grandma came from watching an elderly gentleman on a daytime TV programme who was taking part in a rally. Interestingly, an off-shoot of Extinction Rebellion are making headline news right now. They call themselves ‘Insulate Britain’ whose aim is to persuade the government to fund home insulation starting with social housing. They have been… Read more »
After having read your comment, I went online to check the news. I am now updated about what’s going on in the UK, with roadblocks on M25 for the 5th time in a week. I wish a happy outcome for everybody. Thanks for the update, Linda!
I love the progression of Toby learning from Grandma through the story. I was lucky my Nan set some wonderful examples for me, recycling and composting. Now I’m a Grandma, I hope I’m setting good examples for my grandchildren. I read an article just yesterday about including a little humour in stories to help get even serious points across. I think the family’s embarrassment seeing Grandma on TV provided that perfectly 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Sandra, so glad you enjoyed the story. I’m sure you are setting a great example for your grandchildren. I’ve found, in life, humour can sometimes get you through the worst of times and can lighten even the most serious of topics.
Linda, when I read the title it already made me smile. Throughout the story I had the idea that they will not change Grandma’s mind. I’m glad they didn’t. When they sent Toby in I was hoping Grandma would convert him too! Great story, fun to read, although it was a very serious subject.
Thanks so much Marianna, I’m glad it put a smile on your face – humour can be found in the most unlikely places! I agree, climate change is a very serious subject and, although it may be late in the day, at least governments are now waking up to it.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI’ve never heard about Extinction Rebellion so I’ve learned something new today. I loved the story. I would have got under the table with grandma.
Lovely to hear from you Genya and glad you enjoyed the story. I’d have joined Grandma too!
Hello, Linda. Congratulations that your “Grandma’s Rebellion” was featured on the new contest. Re-reading it after a year brings more realization and inspiration to me. I wish that this story had reached and inspired more readers like me.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Lotchie for your very kind comments.
You’re always welcome. How are you, Linda?
I’m fine, thank you Lotchie. I hope you are keeping well.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYes. I am well but our place is not safe right now, due to war between AFP and the rebel (NPA).
Thinking of you and your family, Lotchie and praying you stay safe. The war must be so frightening for you. Sending lots of love.