“Mama, you know what?
“What?” Mama said.
“I wish I had wings.”
Mama smiled, certain her daughter would tell her why, soon enough.
“If I had wings, I would fly to see my Nana. But first I would draw her pictures filled with pretty colors.”
Mama said, “Child, that won’t be necessary. Nana already has the prettiest pictures you could ever imagine. The colors are handpicked, straight from the rainbow.”
“Oh, then I would pack my CD player with all her favorite music and bring it to her.”
“No need, baby,” Mama said. “Nana’s favorite music plays all day long. She dances to a symphony conducted by angels.”
“Well then, I would use my wings to fly through the meadow and gather purple heather. I know she likes the way it smells.”
Mama said, “Nana is surrounded by green gardens, rolling hills, and peaceful valleys. Flowerbeds overflow with vibrant, fragrant petals that smell as sweet as gentle rain on a warm summer’s night.”
“Well, does Nana have tea and croissants? I can fly to the bakery to get her some.”
“Nana has all the tea and croissants she could possibly desire. Your Nana wants for nothing, little one,” Mama replied.
“But what about the hug I want to give her?”
“Sweetie,” Mama said as she gently touched her daughter’s face. “Your love has wings of its own. Each time you think of Nana, your love soars straight to Heaven. And that’s why the sun shines on a beautiful day and rainbows appear after a storm.”
“Mama . . .”
“What, child?”
“I still wish I had wings.”
"I know, baby, I know," Mama said.
------------------------------------------------------------
Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy’s magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment.
For more information, please visit Joyful Productions.
------------------------------------------------------------