Based on a true story.

Joanie. One who worries. One who thinks. One who forgets. One who feels lost. Joanie was born to Jane and Daniel who were Christians. When Joanie was young, she was a very nervous soul. She feared many things, but her worst fears were the fears of death and the afterlife. Joanie would get herself worked up by thinking about it. She would toss and turn in her sheets and quilt and wake up with a cold sweat from meeting the grim reaper himself. Her Grandmother Daria was a very spiritual and faithful woman and would comfort Joanie when she could. But, suddenly, her Grandmother got cancer and a few months later, she died. Joanie took her Grandma’s death the hardest. After the funeral, she just wanted to be with her Mum. She became even more lost than before.

One night, Joanie became so anxious and so scared, she cried herself to sleep longing for her Grandma’s comfort and warm hugs. While asleep, she started to have some dreams. But, the last dream was very odd. She was on top of a hill with a big birch tree, flowers, a large picnic blanket which she was sitting on and a big picnic basket. And sitting across from her, was her Grandmother. She and her Grandma had a lovely time together, just like the old days. They talked about school, and they had some sandwiches and orange juice. After their picnic, they went down the hill to a small playground. There, Joanie played on the swings while her Grandma pushed her. They had a wonderful time. They played tag, and she knew when her Grandma had enough when she said, you’re too quick. She walked toward her and let her Grandma tag her.

After their game of tag, Joanie’s Grandmother suggested they get some ice-cream. They then went over to the road and crossed the street. They walked to an ice-cream truck where the window faced her house. Joanie received a mint choc chip ice-cream while her Grandma got a vanilla ice-cream. They crossed the street again back to the park and back to the hill. They licked and finished their creamy ice-creams, then Joanie asked her Grandma why she had to leave her. Then, her Grandmother stood up and reached for Joanie’s hand. Joanie got up and took her by the hand. Her Grandma folded the picnic blanket up and put on top of the picnic basket. Then, she clicked her fingers and the basket disappeared. Joanie was amazed. Then, her Grandmother told her to walk back to her house with her. Joanie held her hand tightly and they walked back to her house.

When they arrived at the front door, her Grandma told her to open the door. Joanie opened the door only to see a bright sky and a beautiful valley. The valley was green, and the river flowed to the sea. Then, she looked up into the sky to see a great castle the colour of gold. She walked through the door with her Grandmother and there suddenly appeared a gravel path. They walked and walked for a couple of minutes before they stood on the beach. Her Grandmother faced the sea while Joanie looked up at her. She then looked at Joanie. She told her not to be afraid of the death. She told her, that death is not really death, death is a new beginning and a new life for all of those who are good lives. Then, her Grandmother Knelt down and gave Joanie a big hug. Then, her Grandmother started to ascend towards the castle of gold. Her last words to her before the dream ended, was that everything would be alright.

Then, Joanie woke up. She took a minute to make out her surroundings. Then, she recalled the dream. She felt happy and knew that it was real. She told her parents about the dream. They told her that it was just a dream, but she knew it was real. Years went by and she studied to become and became a catholic nun. She was very loyal to God, and whenever she felt afraid, she remembered the dream and her Grandma’s last words to her, that everything will be alright.

Dedicated to my Nana, Daria, Hnatowych. 17/11/1938 – 08/08/2014.