She raced down the path, tears like a river   flowed down her face,

Not seeing the old man coming the other way.

With outstretched arms he save them both from a  fall,

“Whoa now” he said, whats the rush?

With tear flooded eyes she almost didn’t recognise who he was,

Taking a gulp and wiping her face with her sleeve,

She cried, “Oh Grand Dad it’s you. ”

Setting her on  a seat by the way,  his arms, held her,

Now child what is this all about?

She looked up at him accepting his handkerchief and began,

I heard mother tell Aunt Mary I was a mistake,

 So I am running away then I won’t be in the way.

Oh dear child, he said,that could not be,

I know for a fact that if you were not here ,

your parents would almost die in despair ,

 With a  big sniff she asked ,how do you know?

I happened to be there some years ago,

when your mum and dad lost a baby, a still born.

They thought they could not bare that to happen again,

Then you came along.

If you had waited you might have heard more,

For later this year a new baby ’s due here.

Your mother and father love you so  much,

Really Grand Dad, your are sure?

She asked with a bright shining smile,

Truly dear girl it’s all real.

Anyway who would keep me company all day through?

If you were not here what would I do?

Oh Grand Dad I love you and of course I will stay,

Now come child and lets see your mum right away.