Our young members are wonderful but often overlooked assets to Community of Faith. The fictional story below is written by a talented, creative, 3rd grader who does a great job of showing us how Christian love can transcend even the widest of age barriers. Jadah is 9 years old and the daughter of Rodney and Donna LaFramboise.

“Greetings,” said a strange old man that I saw at the zoo. When I saw him I almost screamed in surprise. It was Grandpa Charlie, who had been out at sea for the past six years. When we left he got in the car. When we got home Grandma turned a corner and said, “Oh, Charles,” tears rolling down her cheeks, “I thought you would never come home.”

Grandpa Charlie had graying hair, but looked surprisingly young. I also thought he waddled around the house like a duck, but I remained silent. The last time I saw him he had thick, brown hair. Now it is like looking at a different person, but with Grandpa Charlie’s face.

“Hi Grandpa,” I said, sharing Grandma’s feelings. “I thought I’d never see you again.” I tried hard not to cry but I finally burst into tears. I buried my face into Grandpa’s broad, flat chest making little wet spots on his t-shirt.

I was thirteen years old, tall and slender, with long dark hair. Grandpa seemed very happy to be home, and his happiness made me happy. So I said something I should have long ago. “I love you, Grandpa Charlie.” “I love you too, Zoey,” Grandpa said warmly.

“I had thought of you the whole time I was on that ship,” he continued. “I’d always hated that dreadful ship, and everyone on her.” I laughed. “Grandpa, you shouldn’t hate,” I said, being a clean Christian. “I know,” said Grandpa sadly. “I hated them because they hated me.” “They treated me like I had a disease.” “Grandpa, did you know kids at my school treat me very bad too?” “No,” he answered. “Well, lets talk about my height, people call me “Giraffe” and “Too Tall,” I said. “Well, your shorter than me,” he said. “I’m 6 foot six,” Grandpa added. “Grandpa, I’m 6 foot three!”

Those were the last words that night. When I woke up, Grandpa had a whole day planned for us! We played Pinochle, Uno, Go Fish, and we went to the movies. We watched Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

Now I am 31 years old, still a Christian, and still tall and slender. Grandpa just turned 91 last Sunday.

He asked what year it was, and I said, “It’s 2006 Grandpa Charlie. “Really?” he asked in surprise. “I remember it being 1918 like yesterday.” “I’m going to be going home soon,” he said happily. “What home?” I asked. “My real home,” he said, “where I belong.”

Grandpa died on July 10, 2007. I learned very much from Grandpa Charlie, and he learned much from me. I taught him how to please God. Then I realized Grandpa Charlie was already an angel of God from heaven above.