I look forward to the best day of every week. Sunday is that day of the week where I get to [hang out] with a lot of people. I can’t miss the fun and fellowship we share. And, the best time on a Sunday comes when I am surrounded by the [5]- and [6]-year-old kids.
Just like every other Sunday, we all sat around a table, exchanged smiles and hellos. These tiny tots share their weekly happenings before we get started with our session. Their stories include some regular fights with friends, some peculiar and funny ones and some interesting ones too. But, they always love to share them with passion, irrespective of the content.
And when it’s my turn to share a story, it’s a task to keep them engaged for that half an hour.
This particular Sunday was a little different. Everything was calm, and I thought my storytelling would be a smooth ride without too many distractions.
As soon as I started speaking, they listened to me very intently, except for a little one who was lost in his thoughts. I was observing this child from one corner of my eye, as I continued to keep all the others engaged with the lesson.
A few minutes into the story, he got up from his seat, walked around the table, and came up to me. And, I was thinking he might want to use the washroom or drink water, but he gently said — “You know what!?”
I turned to him, looked into his eyes, and waited for him to answer the very question he asked. I was expecting him to tell something that happened during that week, which he probably missed sharing in the beginning of our session.
In a very flat tone, he said — “MY DAD DIED!”
I was dumbstruck, and my mind started frantically searching for words to respond. I couldn’t believe it. Did I just hear him say what he said? I didn’t know anything about his family — except for the fact that he comes along with his mum every Sunday.
As I was struggling to digest what I’ve just heard, groping for words, he continued in his now mellowed down voice — “BUT, HE’S IN A NICE PLACE!”
I couldn’t respond. I went numb! How could someone take the loss of a close loved one so positively — especially the death of a dad, the only best friend he knew as a child?
