Family is everything and without their love, support and presence, you may sometimes feel alone. But when you have them around and their unconditional love many bad days become better.

WHAT IS LOVE? The Love of Family

CHAPTER 1: Wonder Woman

It was a rainy morning when Saul go out of bed at 2:00 am on a Saturday, his eyes gleaming and wide open with excitement. Saul ran straight into his mother's bedroom screaming ,"mom, mom get up, I am ready to go!". Mom glanced at the alarm clock next to her and shut her eyes again. "Mom!" shouted Saul disappointed. "It's 2:00 am in the morning Saul, we're not carded to leave until 7:00 am, please go back to bed!" "Sigh...but I'm ready to now mom, I'm ready now!!" jumping up and down. Saul's Mom opened her arms for him to get into bed with her. "Let's lie down for one more hour okay, and we will be all set and ready to go." With his usual sad expression, when he doesn't get what he wanted Saul climbed into bed with his mother. The rain was pouring cats and dogs outside her bedroom window, when mom got out of bed. Saul was still sound asleep, cutely snoring like a little elephant. "He is always so excited to visit grandma," she thought to herself. Saul was eight years old and every Fall of every year since he was born, they would pack up and drive all the way across country to visit his grandmother. Mom was a single parent, she has been for two years since Saul's dad left, and it has never been anything but love, and having fun between Saul and his mother. Saul's dad use to be angry all the time, and most times Saul would lock himself in his room hiding from his dad, they never did anything fun together and this affected Saul greatly, for even though he was angry all the time. Saul really loved his dad. When Saul was six years old his mom and dad had a big fight, arguing loudly and throwing stuff around. Saul was so afraid that he locked himself in his room and wouldn't come out until his dad went away. This is when Saul's mom chose her son over her husband and decided that his happiness and safety was more important to her, than her marriage. She was so much in love with Saul that she couldn't stand to see him sad or unhappy. He was her everything. Her first and only child and she would circle the world for him. Mom glimpsed over to the bed where Saul was peacefully asleep and blew him a warm and gentle kiss. It was already 5:00 am and mom hadn't finished getting their 'to go' breakfast and lunch ready for their trip to grandma's place. With the rain still pouring and the sun about to say, "good morning" to them. Mom rushed into the kitchen and started preparing Saul's favourite chocolate chip and banana pancakes. It took about two spins and a twirl when the clock read 6:19am. Mom rushed upstairs to her bedroom to wake Saul, when she saw him coming out of his bedroom dressed and ready to go with his bags packed. "Come here you!" mom lovingly said. Pulling him close for a big hug. She was so proud of him for being up and ready to go. Even before she was. "I'll be in the TV room mom. Go get ready." Saul said, "and don't take to long." With a grand smile on his face. Mom smacked him on his butt as she turned to enter her bedroom. "This is going to be so much fun," Saul whispered to himself while flying down the stairway. He loved going to Grandma's house. She was always a delight to be around, and he had so much fun with her every time he visited. Grandma spoiled him rotten. Buying him gifts, baking all his favourite treats and taking him wherever she went while he visited her. He was so excited to get to Grandma's. Her house was filled with love, and so many awesome things for him to do. "Hurry up mom!" Saul shouted from the bottom of the stairs. "We're gonna be late!" It was exactly 7:00 am when mom came out of the bedroom. Dressed and ready to go. By this time, the sun was all the way up. The rain had stopped and there was nothing but wet roads and trees outside. Mom and Saul packed up the food. Took along some snacks and headed for the car.

CHAPTER 2: Visiting Grandma

On arriving to Grandma's at a quarter past eleven. Grandma was already outside waiting for them to arrive. She was neatly dressed in a floral patterned skirt and blouse. Her hair, was tucked away in bun and...Guess what?...Cookies in hand. Lots and lots of cookies. She made them special for Saul. As they pulled into the driveway Saul excitedly swung the car door open, and ran straight into Grandma's arms hugging her tightly. Saul loved his Grandma, and she loved him just as much. Mom was halfway out the car, when Saul called out to her. "Come on mom! grandma made cookies." Smiling playfully, mom finished getting out of the car. Grabbed the bags and headed for grandma's cookies. "Hi mom." She said, "those cookies for me?" Grandma was always happy to see mom. They was so much alike; Fun, loving, protective, creative, and would always do what's best for the family. "Only one." Grandma jokingly said to mom as she opened the jar. "The rest is for my special little Teddy." Teddy was grandma's pet name for Saul, since the day he was born. She said his cheeks and little tushy was as plump and soft as a teddy, and this name stuck with him ever since. Grandma had everything planned out for Saul's visit as she usually did every time he visited. They would do many exciting things. Like taking walks up the trail, treasure hunting, jumping into heaps of leaves, baking special desserts and treats, making family movies and so much more, that Saul would put on his favourite outfit each time grandma took the camera out. It was just about 4:00pm when Saul and grandma returned from the nearby grocer, when mom said. "Guess what Saul? your dad called, and he said to have lots of fun at grandma's". As much as Saul loved his dad, he didn't like hearing from him much, for it always left him feeling sad and timid. "Thanks mom" Saul replied. He wasn't about to let anything or anyone ruin his visiting time with his grandma this Fall, and that included his father. Although only eight years old, Saul was mature for his age. He was smart, strong, outspoken, loving and very polite to everyone he knew or met. He was always a gem to be around, but the thought of his dad always seemed to change that around. "I'll be playing in the backyard," Saul shouted as he dashed through the kitchen door. "Call me when it's time for dinner grandma," he yelled. Grandma would make anything Saul wanted, and this time he wanted hot dogs and chicken strips for dinner, and even though his mom would prefer him to have something more healthy. It was always a long battle letting grandma know this. Next morning. Bright and early the sun rose right above grandma's house. Saul was already awake and awaiting grandma's plan, to do whatever she decided to do today. Mom would sometimes tag along or she would stay in and rest, or prepare lunch for their return. We are going to the park today Saul. Then we head to the market in town. Where we gonna get us some materials to build us a pumpkin shaped tower. This was one of grandma's favourite things to do. Crafty projects and Saul loved helping her with them. He would get to glue things, cut out shapes, decorate and give grandma his ideas of other things they can make together. "A pumpkin shaped tower grandma?" "It's for the front porch Teddy. I can use it to receive my mail." "The neighbor's daughter accidentally ran over my original mailbox, and I thought it would be a good idea to make one, instead of buying another, and this time it would be right on the front porch, away from getting knocked over." Mom already had breakfast warm, and waiting for grandma and Saul in the kitchen. Mom never got in the middle of Saul's and grandma plans or discussions. She would always let Saul enjoy his time with his grandma. For it's just once or twice a year they got to spend this much time together. "I'll be in the shower." Mom said as she entered the bathroom door. "Breakfast is on the table mom, and your toast is just as you like it", she continued.

CHAPTER 3: Without a Doubt

Birds were chirping loudly. With a semi - cold breeze blowing in the midst. When Saul and grandma arrived at the Park. Grandma always made sure that she and Saul had a jacket or sweater each time they went out. "What do we do first Teddy?" Grandma asked excitedly. "The swings grandma. I can push you." Grandma laughed wholeheartedly. "Push little old me, you silly Teddy." Grandma joked. Much to Teddy's surprise grandma had began walking over to the swings and sat down. "I'm ready!" she exclaimed. Saul ran over to the swings, and began pushing grandma. Higher and higher she went. Each time Saul pushed, grandma would make a silly noise. "Weee. Weee." This made Saul very happy to know that grandma was having this much fun, and he would continue to push her higher and higher just to hear her say it. "Isn't it your turn yet Teddy? you must be tired!" "No grandma. I like pushing you on the swing." We would have one more go at it, and then it's your turn to push me," he said. "Okay Teddy. One more big push." Up and up grandma went, screaming excitedly. "Do me a favor Teddy, get me a water in the bags over there please." Grandma had a surprise for Saul, and it was something he excitedly wished of having. "Sure grandma," he replied. Saul walked over to the bags and stuck his hand inside. What he felt wasn't water. But another bag. With a box inside. "There isn't any water in here Grandma!" he shouted. "Open the bag Teddy." she replied. Much to Teddy's surprise, as he opened the bag he could see a glimpse of what was inside. It was the sneakers he wanted. The one he saw at the store when he went to the grocer with grandma yesterday. He saw it through the store window and said. "Grandma. I would give anything to have a pair of those," and grandma bought him those very pair of sneakers. "Thanks grandma," he shouted, running towards her. "Anything for my little Teddy." She said as they hugged each other. "Can I wear them now grandma?...please." He begged. "Sure sweetheart." She responded happily. Seeing the smile and excitement on Teddy's face was enough for grandma's heart to melt. Time flew by as Saul and grandma continued to play and have fun at the Park. She almost forgot that she wanted to go to the market for her crafty materials. "Time to go Teddy." Grandma said. "We got to get the stall opened if we gonna make that pumpkin tower tonight." Saul was always ready for the next adventure with grandma. There was never a dull moment when he was with her, and it showed everytime. He would be smiling and joyful all the time, and with Christmas and Thanksgiving always around the corner. Saul would remain in his festive mood making mom and grandma as happy as she could be seeing him happy. It was almost sundown when Saul and grandma returned home, and with mom worry free. They both washed up and sat down for dinner before starting on the mailbox tower. "How was it" mom asked. "Better than it could ever be mom. Grandma bought me a new pair of sneakers." stretching out his feet from under the table. "She did what?!" mom exclaimed, bowing and shaking her head. "You spoil him too much mom." "Like you don't." Grandma quickly replied. They both looked over at Saul and gave him a warm loving smile. The mailbox tower was just about finished, and Saul was exhausted from a long day with grandma. Soon enough it was time for bed and Saul couldn't wait to be tucked in by mom. It was an everyday routine between them and even though he loved for grandma to tuck him in. He would wake up in the middle of the night, because he didn't complete his bed time routine with Mom. "Goodnight grandma." Saul said yawning as he walked towards his bedroom. "Don't let the bed bugs bite, I love you." Smiling from ear to ear. "I love you too Teddy." Mom was already in Saul's bedroom. Waiting on his arrival, when he came darting in. "I'm ready mom. I'm ready." Jumping into bed. Saul and his mom would get into bed. Covering their heads with the blanket and mom would read Saul's favourite bedtime story, with just a flashlight. Saul would usually fall asleep on mom's lap, while she rubbed his head and continued reading until Saul began snoring. The story was complete and Saul had already began snoring. He was six and a half when Saul started snoring while he slept and mom was always concerned that Saul had been over playing daily, and this could possibly be the reason why he would snore throughout the night.

CHAPTER 4: Traditional Love

He was finally sound asleep. Mom tucked him in and went back to the sitting room to help grandma clean up. "He's finally out." Mom said, "he really loves to see you and get so excited everytime. He is so full of energy." As she slumped herself down on the sofa. Grandma was surprisingly quiet while she moved around the house picking up pieces of Saul's evidence that he was there. "Mom! is everything okay? you're so quiet." She got off the sofa and walked towards grandma. "I'm fine honey." With a smile so bright it lit up the room. "Just been remembering all the fun Teddy and I had today, he's gotten so big and keeps me going." "Awww Mom, he really is growing quickly and pretty smart too." They both turned to each other happily smiling. Grandma and mom finished tidying the house and went off to bed. The next morning things became a little more hectic. Saul was still asleep, when the doorbell rang. It was the little girl from next door. Grandma's neighbor daughter, who came across to apologise for running over Grandma's mailbox with her bicycle. She was just a few years older than Saul. About ten or eleven years old. With two long ponytails in her hair, tied with two pretty bows on each end. Mom rushed to open the door for the little girl. Maggie I think her name was, has been ringing the doorbell endlessly. "Good morning, is the lady who lives here at home? my mom sent me to apologise for knocking over her mailbox the other day." "Just one moment sweetie," said mom as she went in to get grandma. "There is a little girl out front to you mom. She said her mother, your neighbor sent her over." Grandma was up early. She wanted to make Saul his favourite brownies and his favourite pancakes before he awoke from bed this morning. "I'll be right there," whispered grandma. She didn't want to wake Teddy until she was done making his breakfast. Grandma and mom went to speak to Maggie, who was sitting on the front porch. She sweetly apologized to grandma and continued on her way home for her mom told her not to stay out too long. It was around 9am when Saul got out of bed. "I think this is the latest time you got up from sleep Saul. You must have been really tired from yesterday," said grandma as Saul ran straight into her arms, hugging her tightly. "I sure was Grandma. But I'm up and ready for another day of fun. "We gotta have breakfast first Teddy. I made your favourite. Then we will be on our way. Together with mom to the horse stables. Then we go for a hike up the trail to find us some hidden treasure. "Hidden treasure grandma? I love looking for hidden treasure." Saul screamed with excitement at the thought of going on this adventure with mom and grandma. Saul hurriedly ate his breakfast and ran to the bathroom to shower. While his mom packed up all the goodies they were gonna take on their adventure. Grandma was busy hanging her pumpkin shaped mailbox tower out on the porch. She said the mailman would be about making deliveries today and she didn't want to miss getting her's. Saul really wanted to help Grandma hang the tower. But he was more excited about going up the trail and hunting for hidden treasure, that he chose to get himself ready to go instead. Mom loved horses and grandma always took her to the stalls when she was a little girl. Saul grew up loving them just the same. There was a white horse at the stalls named Snow White that Saul absolutely loved. He would beg and beg and beg his mom until she said yes for him to ride Snow White. Mom was always so afraid for Saul. So careful and protective of him at all times. He was her only child, her only son, her only true love and she won't let anything happen to him. Snow White was so sweet and gentle with all who interacted with him, that it was hard for mom not to say yes to Saul each time he begged. It wasn't very often that Saul would get too ride Snow White, and it was also a good idea for him to learn how. Grandma lingered by as she got a look at all the wonderful colors and sizes of each horse, and their little fouls. The more Saul rode, the more he wanted to take Snow White home with him. Sending grandma several kisses as he rode around the field. Lucky for mom, grandma wouldn't go that far as to buy Saul a horse until he was much older and mom knew of this. "It's time to go Saul!" mom yelled. "It's time to go on the trail adventure." Mom didn't realize that Saul would get so excited, that he would almost fall off Snow White, after jumping up and down on his back. "Careful Teddy," yelled grandma. "You won't want to miss our treasure hunt would you!?" Saul carefully stopped riding while mom went over to help him get off Snow White. "Sorry Mom," he said. "I didn't me to scare you," as he hugged her. Saul was so happy. He showed mom and grandma that he appreciated them both and loved them very much by taking both their hands and singing sweetly as they left the horse stalls. It would be in just a couple days that Saul and his mom would leave grandma's and return to the city. So he wanted to have as much fun as he possibly can with both mom and grandma. The hidden treasure hunt was more fun than Saul expected. He found so much stuff that his backpack was to heavy for him to carry. That he asked mom to do him the favor of helping him with it. There was colored rocks and stones, different sizes and shapes of sticks and twigs, leaves, fruits and all the things that a little eight year old boy would find interesting in there. The time and days flew by as it was almost time for them to leave. But Saul couldn't stand the thought of having to leave his Grandma. He would always get so moody and sad as the days drew closer. Mom always had to explain to Saul that it was only two months before he would see grandma again for Christmas. "Mom do we have to leave?" Saul was so upset. He didn't want to have his lunch or go out to play as he usually would. Mom walked over to Saul who was sitting at the kitchen counter and hugged him tightly from behind. She gently kissed him behind his head and whispered softly that she loved him and he will be back with grandma very soon. Sure enough grandma was always sad as much as Saul was when it was time for them to go back to the city, that she would stay in the kitchen all day baking on the day before they were to leave, and Saul would stay right next to her the whole time. The day went by as grandma and mom prepared for the next day. The day Saul and mom would leave for the city.

Things were awfully quiet at Grandma's house that entire time, and you could feel the sadness from each of them having to part ways and end their time together. Mom awake at 2:00am to check in on Saul who was up late until 11:15pm the night before, determined to spend as much time with his grandma as he possibly could of. Thankfully he was fast asleep, and not a pin drop could wake him. Mom on the other hand was helplessly worried about Saul and couldn't sleep. She instead went to the kitchen to make herself some tea to calm her. Saul mean't everything to his mother, any day or night without him being happy was devastating. him being sad really bothered her. But she wasn't going to let him forget his time spent at grandma's and all the fun he had while they were there. Morning came quickly and Saul was locked up tightly in his room. He won't let mom or grandma in. He wasn't ready to leave and he made sure that they knew it. He cried and cried begging mom to spend one more day at grandma's. But they had to leave. Mom had to work and he had school to attend. The more Saul cried, the more he made grandma cry. She was always heartbroken when Saul cried, was sad or unhappy. She couldn't stand to know he was this upset this time around. It was much easier before to get Saul out of his room and into the car, packed with all Grandma's goodies. But this time was different. He wasn't letting in to anything mom or grandma said to him to get him out of his room. It took mom and grandma almost an hour to get Saul out of his room and ready to go. "I love you grandma," cried Saul as he grabbed unto her arms hugging her tightly. Grandma couldn't help but cry together with him. She knew it would be almost two months until she can see Saul and her daughter again. Grandma rarely visited the city, so it was always a while before mom could find time from work to head up the country side to spend quality time with her. "I love you more, my special little Teddy," cried grandma as she kissed Saul on his forehead. "Come back and see Grandma soon okay." Mom had finished putting the bags in the car and walked over to grandma for her departure hug when Saul put his hand in his pocket and took out a small object and handed it too Grandma. It was a little present he made for her to remember him while he was gone. Saul made grandma a lovely necklace with the prettiest little stone for it's pendant. She was so surprised that she grabbed ahold of Saul and the three of them hugged each other tightly.

The End

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