I
had a terrible cold on the 4th of July when I was 6. I had to miss the celebration,
but I wasn't too sad because Dad promised I could use my sparklers when I was
well.
A
few days later, completely over my cold, I visited Grandma and my two aunts. Grandma
spent most of her time in bed and my aunts took care of her.
I
excitedly announced I was going to use my sparklers that night!
My
Grandma called to my aunts, asking if it was the 4th of July. I was stunned. Adults
were supposed to know everything. For Grandma to WONDER if it was a holiday was
unthinkable!
I
didn't tell anyone that I was scared by what Grandma said. And no one noticed
that I was no longer excited about my sparkers….
As
an adult I wrote the story of Johnny, a
little boy who thinks his grandmother doesn't love him anymore because she is
acting strangely. Mommy explains about Grandma's illness in a way that comforts
Johnny.
I hope the book, Special
Secret Hearts: A Child's Introduction to Dementia, will help parents cope with
their children's fears about aging family members.
Special Secret Hearts is part
of a 2 in 1 book illustrated by children for children.
