When Ruby’s daughter, Cindy, started talking about a “friend” named William, Ruby thought it was just a new buddy from school. But when Cindy said this friend had the same name as Ruby’s father—who had sadly passed away—it changed everything in a big way!
Ruby had always been close to her family. As an only child, she shared a special bond with her parents. They cheered her on at every field hockey game and never missed a parent-teacher meeting. Even when she went to college, they would visit often, bringing her delicious homemade meals that made her feel so loved.
Ruby would smile and say, “Nothing beats Mom’s cooking!” But after her father died, everything felt different.
Now, Ruby had her own little family. She was married to a kind man named Dean, and they had a bright and cheerful six-year-old daughter named Cindy. But ever since Ruby’s father passed away, her mother had changed.
Once full of life and creativity, Ruby’s mom seemed to lose her spark the day they buried Ruby’s dad. She became quieter and more distant, holding onto Cindy as if the little girl could fill the big emptiness in her heart.
Ruby’s mom often took Cindy on fun outings to the park or the zoo. But lately, Ruby noticed something strange. After these visits, Cindy would come home crying and wouldn’t want to talk to her. This made Ruby feel uneasy. She didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but her mother’s behavior worried her.
One sunny afternoon, while Ruby was baking cupcakes, she decided to gently ask Cindy what was going on. “Sweetheart, why do you cry when Grandma brings you back? Did something happen?” she asked, stirring the fluffy batter.
Cindy paused, looking thoughtful. “It’s because of Grandma’s friend. He’s always there,” she said, her eyes lighting up with a hint of a smile.
“Which friend?” Ruby asked, surprised. “Grandma usually doesn’t have anyone else with her.”
Cindy’s face brightened as she remembered a happy moment. “Grandma asks me to say hi to William before we eat. Who’s William, Mommy?”
Ruby’s heart sank. The name William hit her like a thunderbolt. It was her father’s name.
Staying calm, Ruby replied, “Oh, that’s okay, sweetie. Let’s finish these cupcakes. They’re going to be delicious!” But inside, her mind raced with worry and confusion.
The very next day, after leaving Cindy and Dean to enjoy a movie marathon, Ruby knew it was time to have a serious talk with her mom. She needed to find out what was really happening.
When Ruby brought up Cindy talking about William, her mom’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m so sorry, Ruby,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to frighten Cindy.”
“Frighten her? What’s going on, Mom?” Ruby asked, feeling more concerned than ever.
Her mother took Ruby’s hand, her voice trembling. “I still feel your dad’s presence. Talking about him helps me cope with my loneliness. I didn’t realize I was doing it around Cindy. I didn’t mean to confuse or scare her.”
Ruby’s heart ached for her mom. She had also struggled with the loss of her dad, but she hadn’t understood just how deeply it affected her mother. “I know you miss him,” Ruby said softly, “but Cindy doesn’t understand. She’s just a little girl, and this is confusing for her.”
They spent hours sharing memories of Ruby’s dad, laughing and crying over coffee and donuts. It felt good to remember the happy times. In the end, Ruby suggested that her mom explain things to Cindy in a way she could understand.
Her mom agreed, realizing that while talking about Dad brought her comfort, Cindy wasn’t ready to grasp it all yet. “I’ll tell her about the wonderful memories we have of him,” Ruby’s mom promised.
In the weeks that followed, Ruby’s mom sat down with Cindy to talk about her feelings. She helped her understand that Grandpa William wasn’t a ghost or an imaginary friend, but a special memory they could all cherish together.
“You know, sweetie,” her mom said gently, “Grandpa William is always in our hearts, and we can talk about him whenever we want.”
Ruby’s mom even started seeing a therapist to help work through her grief. It was an important step for her, and it made a big difference. Her mood improved, and she began painting again—a hobby she and Cindy loved to do together. They would spend afternoons splashing colors on canvas, giggling and creating beautiful art.
Cindy quickly returned to enjoying her time with Grandma. They would bake cookies and tell stories about Grandpa William, filling their home with laughter and love. As a family, they found healing in their shared memories. Though Ruby’s mom still talked to her father, she did it in private now, finding comfort in her own way.
Together, they were all moving forward, stronger than before. “Remember, we are never alone,” Ruby said one evening, hugging her mom and Cindy tightly. “We have each other, and we carry the love of Grandpa William with us always.”
And with that, their family bond grew even deeper, filled with love, understanding, and the beautiful memories of a wonderful man. What do you think of the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
