When my sister died, I quickly learned to appreciate how difficult it must have been for her as a single parent. I was younger than my sister - barely into my twenties – and I had no idea what to expect from a little girl who had just recently suffered such a loss. My sister’s funeral wasn’t even until the end of the week, and already her daughter was coming to my house to stay. 1
For a good part of the night before Abby came to stay with me, I lay looking at the ceiling with the blankets pulled up around my chin. It wasn’t like I’d never taken care of a kid before, but there were a lot of questions on my mind that night. I hadn’t ever been a parent before. How could I be her friend, and how could I discipline her? Really, how could I raise her? And what would I tell her when she asked where her mother was, because I knew she would ask. 2
There was no way around that question. I knew my sister’s answer was inevitably tied to God and Heaven. I never had a grudge against the Creator or anything, I just hadn’t even believed in him since I was a teenager. My own atheism was a product of my logic; I believed in science and psychology, and in my opinion, they dismissed the idealism of Christianity. That night, I fell asleep unresolved as to how I would answer Abby when she inquired where her mother was. 3
I saw my niece for the first time since Christmas when my brother pulled up in his pickup to leave her with me. She seemed to make herself at home quickly, and sat coloring in the living room as I cooked a dinner of chicken fingers. Abby was a chatty little girl, and answered all my questions in full sentences, but as the evening went on she got quieter, and I could tell she was getting sleepy. 4
I followed Abby into the room I’d decided to be hers, helped her into her footy pajamas and combed her soft, wavy hair that smelt of baby shampoo. Then I told her that she was free to come get me if she needed anything during the night. I didn’t expect her to ask about her mother as I tucked her into her bed, but she did. 5
I knew Abby would understand the concept of God, but it occurred to me that she was now mine to raise. It was my job to instill the proper beliefs and ideas in her while she was in my care. I could tell her what I thought to be the truth. 6
But this thought was fleeting; I knew that Abby would have been raised a Christian, had my sister been alive. And regardless of what I believed in personally, I respected my sister’s religion. 7
I leaned forward against my elbows and rested my chin in my palms. I thought for a minute longer before I said anything. 8
“Abby,” I started uncertainly and then paused. “Your mother told you about God, didn’t she?” She nodded at me. Those characteristic baby-curls bounced a little as she did. 9
“Well, that’s where she is. In Heaven, with Him,” I said. “With God, I mean.” Abby nodded again. 10
“Um, do you have any questions?” I added lamely. 11
She blinked at me. “Can I sleep with you tonight?” 12
I peeled the blankets back and picked her up by her underarms. I carried her down the hall and turned right, into my room. Abby didn’t say anything more as I tucked her in, wished her a good night, and told her I'd be in shortly. 13
My chest felt heavy as I shut my door gently and heard it latch closed. I walked across the living room and sank into the couch with a box of my sister’s belongings beside me. I had decided to sort through her things and keep what I thought Abby might want when she got a little older. On top of the box was a small jewelry chest made of smooth wood that had a deep, rich stain, and I was sure that Abby would want her mother’s jewelry a few years from now. 14
I flipped the clasp of the chest and lifted the top. Dangling from a chain that hung from the lid was a tiny silver crucifix, glinting in the lamp’s dim light. My decision seemed a little more right, just then. That was how her mother would have handled it, I thought. Faith is really just the steadfast something we need to get us through hard times. And sometimes, everybody needs something to have faith in.15
Author notes
This is a final draft, but suggestions are still welcome.
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Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Excellent
Hi l got to say l see your chat in the chatterbox and decided to look at your poems,l found this and l am knocked out with it,you are perfect to look after your sister's daughter and l am sure she grow up to be as inteligent and careing as her and you,and just how her mother wish her to be,This is a wonderfull write thankyou for shareing it with us,best wishes. Excellent
Edited on May 25, 6:22 p.m. because ''. -
You had me fooled for a second. I was pondering for about ten minutes thinking what I should say, wanting to be gentle and give you hope. To only read your comment above and find out this isn't a true story. I'm disappointed and kind of feel like a fool. You're very good at fiction. I'm glad no one is dead.
Edited on May 04, 10:06 p.m. because ''. -
Oh, thank you so much bassclarinetbuddy, but don't worry! This is a work of fiction...my only sibling is a younger brother. And I'm not an athiest. Thank you again
Edited on Apr 22, 3:25 p.m. because ''. -
Aww...
Aww...I really like this story. This story has a really great lesson for all of us to learn. I enjoyed reading this and I'm sorry about your sister.
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i belive that faith is realy all we need to survive and even though i stray away from god i know he is still watching me, its good to know im never alone even in the bleakist of times, exelent write i always like to read your stuff there so good
-pippy-- -
I Thought this was a great write! But Faith for me isn't just something to get me through the tough times. I'm a totally new person since I've accepted Christ into my life. I've stopped the druggin, the stealing, swearing, and I'm working on a lot of things too. But I'm not just trying to be good to live the good life, I'm changed... Anyway hit me back if you want to know more about it, great write...
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Amy, I know I've read this before, and once again it's truly amazing. The title is catchy, and you know how to write. Congrats...
~~Kelsey~~ -
Yep, this is the one.
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Is this the one that lacked a title? Because...I think it sounds familiar. With changes. In any event, i liked this one lots as well. Keep up the good work.
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