A Bittersweet Day

Egg opens, ponies twirl

Grandpa's love forever near

In my heart he dwells

Today is a bittersweet day for me. It's my maternal grandpa's birthday today. Even when I woke up today I felt the buzzing morning energy to be absent - it was all gloomy and dim. My heart was just not into today. Grabbing a simple breakfast of toast and milk I sat down munching on it absent-mindedly.

Putting away the dishes I went to the living room to relax because I felt my heart ready to burst. As I sat down on the couch I tried to calm down with some breathing exercises, looking around trying to distract myself - was a bad idea.

As my eyes fell on the purple - golden egg sitting innocently in the glass cabinet below the T.V. Taking it out and holding it like a delicate treasure I returned to the couch. Twisting the egg I watched it pop-open revealing a merry-go round with all the pretty little ponnies. Twisting the key I listened to the soft lullaby being played.

The little ponnies moved with the tune - it was mesmerising. Tears welled up in my eyes as memories of my grandpa flooded my mind. He was someone who was confident in where he stands and how he stands - someone who impressed me to no end. I miss him more than words could express, the weight of his absence is felt very strongly on this day by me.

Letting the tune fill the space, I closed my eyes and let myself be consumed by the emotions swirling inside me. With the music box by my side I knew that grandpa may be gone but his love, wisdom and unique personality would always be with me - embodied in the music box he had given me. To me this musical egg is a tangible reminder of the bond we shared.

A caring grandparent is a blessing to have - and I am ever grateful for this blessing.