The grandfathers clock

The seconds tick away on the grandfather clock you inherited when grandpa passed away. It became a part of the house in its own way, a tall standing figure of beautiful wood and craftsmanship. Grandpa would take the key from a shelf on top of the cabinet and carefully wind the clock telling you if it turned to tight, it would break a spring and time would standstill.

Over the years, the old clock kept accurate time, the hourly chimes a welcome part of life in the house. Five chimes signaled dinner was about to be served. Six meant the start of the evening news. Eleven chimes meant removing the key from the shelf and slowly winding the old clock before going to bed. When the kids were out the twelve chimes had best find them in bed asleep.

I believe the old clock with all its beauty and function, kept grandpa close to me over the years. I could still see him winding the clock telling my young self how to care for it so my children and grandchildren would grow to love it as I did. All of us have something left to us from someone dear to our hearts, something we use as a pathway to speak to them when we crave their words of encouragement and love.

Some would say that’s nonsense but those of us who want to believe it to be true will always have peace within our hearts knowing love never really goes away but remains with us through the souls of those so special.

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