Heaven, Stars, And The Moon....6-Year Old Style
“Nona, what do you think heaven is like?” Eileen, my 6-year-old front-toothless granddaughter asked. We were the lone stragglers lingering at the table after dinner. The rest of the contingent had moved on to other things like kitchen musings or hot wheel track configurations. I heard dishes clinking in the sink and from my peripheral vision, was determined not to let Eileen’s brothers’ hot wheel track segments now make-believe ninja swords distract from what I sensed was a special moment.
“I think it must be so beautiful,” I responded, intentionally open-ended. Then, I kicked the question right back at her. “What do you think heaven is like, Eileen?” She shifted her eyes in thought. After a moment, she said, “I think it’s a happy place, like this,” she said sweeping her arms to envelop our crumb covered, milk splattered dining room tablecloth. I allowed a moment and then I agreed. If heaven could be as sweet and tender as this moment with Eileen, there’d be no better place. We decided, after much reflection, that heaven must be full of sparkle covered angels with rainbow wings.
After Eileen exhausted her curiosity of heaven, we moved on to the next question that left me even more speechless. “Nona, would you rather sit on the moon or ride the wave of the stars?” Her arms moved like the flow of an ocean wave. I wondered how such a little mind could think such big and profound thoughts. Her out of this world question brought others to the table, and we had quite the array of reflections. Some wanted to sit on the moon, so the opportunities to observe and watch the wonders of the earth were unlimited. Others thought it would be so cool to tour the universe; weaving in and out of comets and planets on a spaceship with an endless supply of candy and popcorn. Eileen and I both agreed we’d rather ride the wave of the stars. Visions of us being awed and delighted filled the room as we found ourselves transported by the magic of imagination.
Our existential probing of the unknown continued; honest in not knowing more than we knew. In a world where many are more comfortable in the realm of absolutes, my enquiring and open-minded granddaughter reminded me of how curiosity can catapult us into a much bigger world of dreams. Unknown possibilities can be molded and remolded. The exercise was a good one. Sharing how “out of this world” beauty might exist in far away and unfamiliar places is a good exercise. I can only hope such questioning might lead to courage and exploration not only for Eileen, but for all little ones who dream big.
Truth be told, at the age of almost 65, with regards to probably many things including the reality of heaven and hidden treasures of the universe, I know nothing more than my 6-year old granddaughter. Such deep wells of mystery are hard to tackle. Following my very special conversation with Eileen, I was reminded again of the delightful perspectives of childlike minds. At the sweet age of 6, she led me through a wonderful tour of heaven and outer space. We shared hope in imagining, joy in envisioning, and rested in the power of what we do know for sure – love. And of course, sparkles and popcorn are always good to have on hand no matter where you go.