Bigger Picture

Life's Challenges

Sadly, my writer's block was getting worse and I was determined to get my story on its feet. Gilbert would advise me to take breaks so I didn't stress myself out. I needed to make ends meet somehow, so I was offered a job at Lamson's and I graciously accepted. I was also excited about my new job because I would be spending more time with Gilbert.

I also gave my assistance in helping Gilbert more with Arnie and Bonnie. The more I spent time with the Grape family, the more I noticed how ashamed Gilbert was of his mother. I knew there wasn't a nice way of saying it, but she was his mother, and he could be more sympathetic. I understood why she was so depressed, and I wanted to help in any way I could.

To lift up her spirits, I brought over some of my past works and read them to her. She reminded me of a little girl being read a bedtime story, because she would want me to keep reading. I would find myself reading to her for hours.

"You are a gifted writer, Hannah." Bonnie said approvingly. "Thank you, Bonnie." I replied appreciatively. "How's your latest book going?" she inquired with curiosity. "I'm having a little trouble getting it on its feet," I told her. "I had an idea in mind, but it's not playing out the way I thought it would." "Try writing about what you see around you, I bet you'll find inspiration through that," Bonnie suggested. I thought for a moment, and then I grinned, "I think you helped me solve my writer's block, thanks Bonnie," I hugged her. "Of course, sweet pea. You're part of the family now." she hugged me back. It meant a lot when she told me I was part of the family. Don't get me wrong, I love my own family, but they hadn't always been supportive of my dreams and ambitions. Bonnie Grape was like a second mother to me, and I appreciated her welcoming me as an outsider into her family's life.

More days past and we could see Bonnie's health was declining. The floorboards in the house would creak warningly with each step she took, and sadly we could see she didn't have much time left.
Bonnie would fall asleep on the sofa with the television set blaring because she sometimes didn't have enough strength to make it to her bedroom.
Luckily I got my CNA when I was in high school, so I was able to help Bonnie.
As a result, Ellen was starting to become nicer to me, and Gilbert was starting to rethink how he saw his mother.

One night, I was sitting outside stargazing and Gilbert came to join me. "Hey," he greeted shyly. "Hey," I smiled. "Can I talk to you about something?" he asked nervously. "Sure, what's up?"
"Remember when Arnie asked if I liked you?" "Yes," I smiled. "I didn't really know if you heard me, but I do like you." he ran a hand through his reddish brown hair, "Hannah, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever met. You are so kind and compassionate." Gilbert continued his confession, "I want you to stay in my life, because I need you. I'm in love with you."
My heart began to fly, "Oh, Gilbert." I got up from the porch and ran to him, giving him a hug. Then, we looked at each other with our lips meeting.