My Little Shadow: Chapter 3

A visit with Grandma Hawkins

“Geordie! Lunch time!”

“I’m here, I’m here. Oh, something smells wonderful. Reminds me of the Jamaican patties we used to get at the flea market.” Geordie pulled out his chair and sat down, staring at his plate in delight. “Where did you find gluten-free Jamaican patties, Sare?”

“Ha aha. Wouldn’t you like to know?” I stuck my tongue out at him and savoured the spicy, flaky goodness on my plate.

Geordie closed his eyes and groaned at the taste of the first Jamaican patty he’d eaten in years. We went gluten free as a family when he was diagnosed with Celiac disease a decade ago, when eating gluten free was far more difficult.

“Carly and I found a recipe for them a few weeks back, so I thought I’d try them. Made enough to freeze a bunch, too.” I grinned, knowing what his answer would be. “Are they good?”

“Good? No, they are freaking delicious. I’ve been craving them this week. Thank you, love.”

I felt an arm go around my shoulders, giving me a long, warm hug. the love and affection passed to me in that squeeze warmed my heart.

You did good, love. Thank you for taking good care of my boy for me. He needed someone like you for a long time.

You’re welcome, Grandma Hawkins. I love taking care of him and making him happy.

Grandma Hawkins died when our now-twelve-year-old son was a newborn. The kids don’t remember her, but I do. She drops in to visit me often, especially when I cook for her only grandson.

There was nothing Grandma Hawkins loved more in life than taking care of him. Now, she loves nothing more than helping me do it for her.

I watched her give Geordie a hug. His eyes met mine as she put her arms around him. He smiled before getting back to his food. A guffaw burst out of me at his enthusiasm for his lunch. Still chuckling, I shook my head, relishing the love and support I received from spirit.

I never knew when spirit would drop in to visit or pass a message along, as happened with Wendy earlier, but I always welcomed them with an open heart. They knew I was there for them when whenever they needed me, as they were there for me when I needed them.

“Say hello to your little Grandma, baby. She is giving you a hug right now. You should see the smile on her face. She loves the person you’ve become.”

“Hi Grandma, love you. Miss you. Wish you were here to watch the kids grow up, too.”

Oh Geordie. I knew you would be a great father someday. I only wish I could have stuck around to get to know the kids better. They are wonderful children.

“She does, too, Geordie, and loves the father you are to them. You are who she knew you would be one day.”

Geordie came over and wrapped his arms around me. Tears in his eyes for the message from his favourite grandmother, he laid the sweetest kiss on my lips.

“Thank you, babe. That means more than you know, especially with what’s going on with Mom right now.”

“I know. Grandma knows your Mom isn’t who you want and need her to be, but she can’t be anyone else than who she is now. We need to find peace with our relationship as it is, which isn’t easy for any of us.”

Grandma Hawkins nodded, sad smile on her face, and faded away. Small smile lit my face as I gave her a wink. She may have gone for the moment, but I knew she’d be back. I couldn’t wait to see her again soon.

“Okay, let’s clean up the kitchen and take Bogey out for a walk. It’s a beautiful day out. We could all use the fresh air.”

With the dishwasher humming along, table wiped and water bottles in hand, we headed out for a nice walk with the dog. We were gone for almost an hour, but it was a good hour. We talked and worked through issues that were bothering us, ending up back home with clear heads and ready to tackle an afternoon of work.

“The kids have plans with friends after school today. Carly is at Johanna’s, her mom will bring her home around eight, and Rudy is going to Dave’s birthday party. His birthday is in July, but Paula is taking the boys to the arcade for pizza and games tonight.” Fresh cup of coffee in one hand, plate of apple slices with peanut butter in the other, into the office I went. “We have to pick him up at the arcade at seven-thirty, so it’s just you and me for dinner tonight.”

Eyebrows waggling, I winked suggestively to let him know exactly what I wanted for dinner. He got the hint and laughed.

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll call and make reservations at Papps for six. Should give us enough time to eat and go pick Rudy up.”

I loved it when he read my mind. Reservations and a break from cooking were just what this Mumma craved for dinner. And at my favourite restaurant, to boot. It was shaping up to be a good date night tonight.

“Thanks, love. Sounds great. I’m off to finish that proposal.” Before I could pull my desk chair out, Geordie took two steps and grabbed me around the waist, pulling me close. Forehead to mine, he blinded me with a gorgeous grin.

“My pleasure, darling. And yours, later.” A kiss full of promise and delight told me a dinner date would not be my only special treat tonight.

I could hardly wait.

To keep reading, here’s a link to the next chapter:

To start at the beginning, here is My Little Shadow: Chapter 1: