She is the third oldest greatgrandchild to go on a trip with her greatgrandparents, with just them, no parents or siblings along. They had to be at the airport before sunrise so she slept at their house. That night before, she was scared and cried, afraid of a long trip. Her greatgrandmother comforted her, saying that she need not go, if she didn't want to. She could sleep the night and see how she felt in the morning. She asked if the trip had been paid for, if a refund was possible and if a large sum of money was involved. It had, it wasn't and yes, a good-sized sum was paid. In the morning, smiling, she said she did want to go.
She flew her first plane flight and seemed to enjoy the day but that night, a video call brought back fears and tears. She had a good day and showed no signs of upset until that call. After the call ended, she again appeared happy with what was going on.
The next few days had the same pattern: hunky and dory until an evening call home, tears and fears during the call and for a few minutes afterwards. Then, calm returned. Then, on the last evening, she said to her parents,"In the grand scheme of things, a week isn't a very long time."
The grand scheme of things? Where did this nine year old get that language? Where did she grab that perspective? Her greatgrandfather still wants to know.
