Grandpa Had a Toolbox
Another one didn’t make it home.
I was one of the little ones. We were invisible.
The girls cooked.
Grandpa, he had his toolbox.
With his steely blue eyes it only took one glance, and a nod. First, the older ones went up to Mom’s room and took apart the cradle. Grandpa stayed silent. If the boys fought however, he’d slam the toolbox down loudly. He made his point.
They carried the pieces into the barn, hiding it under an old quilt. Mother came home the next week. “Where’s my cradle?!” she asked, distraught.
Then I’d hear him cry.
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You have really captured the sad impact of loss on everyone, Melissa. I read it several times and each time it seemed to say more. And, each time I felt the loss as though I was there. Very well done!
Thank you for your comment, Sandra! My grandmother shared a story with me, while I was a teenager. She had a couple of stillbirths. The midwife was very late arriving to the house (she lived very rurally). I think this story stemmed from this telling. I can’t imagine what it must have felt like!
An emotional story, Melissa, with each read invoking more. That last line is a heartbreaker. I love how you never give too much away, allowing the reader to delve deeper. What a talent you have.
That you for your kind words once again, Linda. Times have definitely been hard for this family! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Melissa, please excuse my ignorance, is Grandpa taking apart the cradle again because the mother has had another miscarriage? Your writing is so subtle that I want to make sure I’m understanding it correctly. It is a very touching piece, regardless.
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Hi Carrie, thanks for the question. The older boys would be taking apart the cradle in this story. He gave a glance and a nod to the older ones. They knew what this meant and went to work. Thank you so much!
After posting my question, I saw you reply to Sandra. My Grandma also suffered a stillbirth and a couple of miscarriages before finally getting the boy she so wanted—they already had my mum and aunt. They were part of a mining community and medical care wasn’t the greatest. I think that generation went through a lot!
They definitely went through a lot! My mother is one of eleven children. My grandfather was a WW11 vet, times were very hard.
Hello, Melissa. Your story is very moving. You have well expressed every grief of your protagonist at the loss of a loved one in life. Well done.
Thank you for your kind words once again, Lotchie.
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You are always welcome, Melissa.