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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This caught our attention from the first line, the sadness of one that “didn’t make it home”. It deserved a second reading in order to observe all the nuances. Life and loss as seen through the eyes of a child. The entire piece is a study in love.
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!
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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.
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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.
You are always welcome, Melissa.
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Such a heartbreaking tale that’s all too familiar for so many. Beautifully written Melissa, you really captured the emotion with your words.
Thank you so much, Emily!
What a well-written story, Melissa. Subtle but powerful, very moving. Well done.
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Thank you for your kind comment, Fuji.
A moving story of loss with a powerful last sentence, Melissa.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Margarida.
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I love the way you have described this family and its terrible fate, Melissa. With so few words you make the people and the situation alive. I can sense the respect the children had for their strict father, but in a masterful way, you also show us that he had a soft and good heart. Also: what a great and unique idea to let the toolbox take the central place in this story!
Thank you so much for this comment, Christer. Grandpa reminded me a lot of my own late grandfather. They sure had their share of tough times!
Melissa, you always do such an incredible job capturing emotion and atmosphere in your writing. I love reading your work.
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Heather, thank you for this kind comment! I’m super happy you enjoyed it!
Congratulations Melissa! I love your story and have read it many times.
Thank you, Linda!
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Congratulations, Melissa, to your runner-up accomplishment. Well deserved!
Thank you, Christer!
Very poignant and a well deserved win
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Thank you, Susan!
Well done, Melissa! A very special story 💛
Thank you! 💜
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Congratulations, Melissa. So happy for you.
Thank you, Lotchie!
You’re welcome, Melissa.
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