Chapter 2

My grandparents definitely helped to shape me into the person I would become. They taught me many things, especially how to be a good worker, connect with the land through working it in the spring and summer, hunting in the Fall, tapping trees in the Spring, and picking strawberries in the Summer again. But most importantly, they taught me to never give up. No matter how bad things got, I had to keep pushing through and complete the task at hand.

When Dad and I reached my grandparents’ place, Dad took Grandpa aside and talked with him for a long time while Grandma took me inside for a glass of milk and a piece of apple pie.

Some minutes later, Grandpa entered the house and told Grandma, “Red is staying with us for some time. John has things to sort out at home.”

Grandma nodded, interrogating Gramps with her eyes.

“Later,” was all he said.

During the next days, Grandma pampered me with special foods, cuddles and kisses. I had a great time with my grandparents. Somehow I managed to put the situation at home in the back of my mind. Every day when I woke up, my breakfast was already prepared; then I worked with Grandpa on the farm, and lunch was ready made when we returned. After doing some homework (Grandma made me call a classmate on the phone to know what they were doing) I was free to do whatever I wanted.