“Dear nightlights that protect my sleeping babes, burn clear and steadfast tonight.”
Mrs. Darling from Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
Lighting up the dark kitchen, the nightlight greets me every dawn. Plugged in next to the sink, its glowing presence chases away the morning shadows. It is our constant companion in the kitchen and has been since February, 2012. The Tinkerbelle nightlight was purchased in a flurry of hope and excitement when we were to have a visit from our tiny granddaughter whom we had not seen in four years. It was a precious few days and we fell so in love her.
When those tiny arms hugged me goodbye, I didn’t know it would be our last hug. I had such hopes and dreams, but we never saw the beautiful little girl again. Its no one’s fault, its just life. I think it hard to be a grandparent, I think it harder for parents of the father of the grandchild. Again, no one’s fault, it is what it is.
We plugged the nightlight in the kitchen from where it had been plugged in near the little one’s bed. A bed full of pink stuffed unicorns and fluffy pillows. Thirteen years later, it still shines in the night. The edges are frayed, but Tinkerbelle still glows in the dark of night.
Happy Birthday eighteenth birthday Clara, know that we will always keep a light on for you.
We love you,
Grandma and Grandpa
18 years. And what shall be reason but to arrive where we began and know it for the first time