I told the grandboy that large objects (like planets) like to grab small objects (like little boys) and keep them close. That’s known as “grabbity”.

I expect a stern talking-to by mamasan soon.

Grandboy​: Can I have pizza?

Me: A piece of? A piece of what?

Grandboy (waves his arms menacingly): A piece of ME

— Oy he’s going to be a punny little handful

The grandboy surprised his mamasan and me, and gave us a breathtaking glimpse into his world today.

After school, he asked his momma to take him to a cemetery. He knows as much as any well-informed six year old does about death, having had pets and family members around him who have no problem discussing life, death, and everything beyond.

The two of them spent about two hours visiting tombstone after tombstone. He spent a bit of time and care straightening fallen flowers, flags, etc. He stopped at over 30 headstones, asking his momma to read the names of each person. Then he prayed for the people by name, thanking them for their time and life they led here on earth.

When asked why he was tidying up the fallen flowers, flags, and praying, he simply said, “this is why I’m here.” His usual curious, wiggly, energetic self was replaced by a focused, serious side that knew exactly what he was doing.

This was a message and teaching not given by us – and to our knowledge, not passed on by anyone from school, tv, sermons, etc. It was simply a level of pure communication between a timeless soul and a force greater than that soul.

I wasn’t there, but I could only imagine it was almost too powerful to gaze upon.