I'll Be the Water: A Story of a Grandparent's Love

Joshua and his grandfather love being together. More than anything else they love fishing. But Grandpa gets sick and is in the hospital a long time. When he gets out, he and Joshua share one more fishing adventure, and Grandpa promises Joshua that he will always be near.Think of it this way, Grandpa says. Today, you and I are like two fish swimming together in this lake. When I die, things will be different. I wont be a fish anymore, but Ill become something even better. My love will be like the water in the lake. You might think Im not with you, but well be closer than ever because youll be surrounded by my love. Long after Grandpa dies, Joshua comes to understand that Grandpa kept his promiseand that love and its memory survive death. When grown-up Joshua goes fishing with his daughter, he teaches her what Grandpa taught him: She knows we never have to feel alone or afraid because we are surrounded by a love that lasts forever.Each memory is like a special gift I can unwrap again and again, said Grandpa. And thats a gift I want to give you, too.