My special place is in the backyard of the bravest people I ever met. They live in Montgomery, Alabama. Let me tell you about my special place. I think that my grandparents' backyard swing is a very, very special place to me. The last time I really remember going down there was May 1999. My grandfather died. I did not talk or sleep much, and all I wanted to do was go with him. When we got to grandma's house I ran. I ran faster than I thought I could. My legs carried me swiftly to her back-yard swing. I sat on the sturdy board that was eight years old. There I felt I could do anything I wanted without being hurt or harmed. I felt safe. There I stayed for three hours. And in those three long hours I felt that my grandfather was standing beside me. I sure wish it was true. I tried to remember him as best I could, but sometimes things just fade away. The knots were tied very tight. I rubbed my fingers around them and felt warm all over. I pulled tight on the ropes that were wrapped around a tree branch. He must have too, so my sisters and I wouldn't fall out.

Finally it was time for the funeral. He was going to be cremated so I wouldn't see him. I thought that would be best. Everyone was crying rivers of tears. My grandma and I were the only ones that weren't crying. Boy is she tough. She came over and hugged me. Oh that made me cry, very hard! I looked into grandma's big blue eyes and whispered softly holding back the next truckload of tears, "There's holes in the floor of Heaven and he's watch'n over you and me that's how he knows what's happening, wishing he could be here now, 'cause there's holes in the floor of heaven and he's watch'n over you and me." I was very sad because after I said that she started to cry. I said, "Sorry, I won't ever say that again." She replied softly, "I love you dear and you can say that, those were tears of joy!" From this day on when I think about grandpa I say in a soft voice to hold back the tears, "There's holes in the floor of heaven and you're watch'n down on me."