The Never Ending Story

Come 'round and let me tell you a story, kids.

As he did at most gatherings with the kids and grandkids, Grandpa Sam called the grandkids together to tell them a tale. Seven grandkids were present today, and all under the age of eight. Their parents were nearby just to see where Grandpa would go with his story…this time.

“And so, kids, do you want to hear the story about The Dinosaur and the Whale? It’s gonna be a good one too.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

All the kids cheered as they settled in close to their grandfather in his wooden rocker.

“So, once upon a time about nine years ago just before you were born there was this Tyrannosaurus Rex.”

“No, Grandpa,” Nicky said. “T-Rexes weren’t around here nine years ago.”

“They weren’t?”

“No!” all the kids yelled.

“Ok. Well I thought…Hmm, must have gotten my years wrong. So about 14 or 15 years ago, there was this Pterodactyl and…”

“No, Grandpa,” Rashelle said. “Dinosaurs happened millions and millions of years ago.”

“Really?”

“Yes!”

“Well, why do I know about this story then? I was here and so were they.”

“Tell us about the whale then.”

“The whale? Let’s see. Oh yeah. Got it. So, once upon a time, there was this flying whale who loved to soar as high as the eagles…”

“No!” all the kids yelled.

“Were you there?” Grandpa asked.

“No, Grandpa, whales can’t fly!”

“Are you sure?”

“Yesss!”

“Well, these were whales that flew in the night when most people couldn’t see them. That’s why you never saw them.”

He looked around to see who was still with him. All the adults in the back smiled and shook their heads in amazement.

Grandma called from the kitchen, “Okay, kids. Come and set the table. We’re about ready to eat. Grandpa can tell his whale of a story after dinner.”

Without needing to be told twice, the kids got up together and ran to the dining room table.

“Next time,” Grandpa said. “We’ll talk about the Lion Who Squeaked Like a Mouse.”

“I wanna hear that story, Grandpa,” Seth, his oldest son said. “Again, but this time as an adult.”