My grandkids recently spent the night, and after much debate about the evening’s activities, they decided on a movie feast. We made popcorn, gathered every pillow and blanket in the house and, since they wanted to watch a movie about ghosts, settled in to watch Eloise’s Rawther Unusual Halloween. All three kids’ eyes were glued to the screen and after it was over, they engaged in a heated discussion about the existence of ghosts.

Four-year-old Francie was convinced that ghosts existed and were flying all over the house, five-year-old Teddy wasn’t quite sure if ghosts were real but thought it might be possible, and seven-year-old Audra was doing her best to explain that ghosts were just make-believe.

When it was time for bed Francie asked me to check all the closets and Teddy wanted to leave all the lights on. I had just tucked them into bed and had settled down with a book when Audra appeared in my room. She asked if she could sleep with me so I wouldn’t be “lonely” since Grandpa was out of town. I said okay and she happily hopped into bed. A few minutes later, both Teddy and Francie showed up wanting to keep me company too.

I was concerned that the movie had frightened them. However, when they woke up in the morning, the first thing they wanted to do was watch it all over again.  “I thought you were afraid of ghosts?” I said. They replied giggling, “Not really, we just wanted to sleep in grandmom’s bed.” I suppose I had been tricked. Even though I didn’t get much sleep, I thoroughly enjoyed watching them all sprawled out in different directions sleeping peacefully. All I could think about was how lucky I was to have these three wonderful children in my life.

–Joan