The Gentle Touch of Wonder

Once upon a time, there was a little girl (Paapa was her name) who loved to go to church with her uncles and aunts. The trip was always filled with lively chatter, but on the way back home, the girl often created quite a racket. Her loud and rambunctious behaviour was enough to test anyone's patience.

One day, her family was together, and her father—who was known for his calm and gentle demeanour —happened to be with them. It was a Sunday, and the little girl became uncontrollable, and to her surprise, even her father began scolding and punishing her. The once-supportive circle of aunts, sisters, mother and grandmother seemed to retreat, leaving her feeling utterly alone.

Desperate for attention and feeling abandoned, the little girl continued her tantrums, hoping someone would intervene. Just as she began to lose hope, a loving hand gently embraced her. It was Uncle Bennet, who whispered softly, "Makkale," which means "child" . The warmth of his hug and the tenderness of his words were exactly what the little girl needed. In that moment, everything felt right again, and the anger and frustration dissipated.

Years went by, and the little girl grew up to become a grandmother herself. Watching her own children discipline their little ones with a harshness that she found troubling, she couldn’t help but reflect on her own childhood. She often remembered the gentle touch and kind words of Uncle Bennet, which had a magical effect on her. His simple, loving gesture had been a beacon of comfort and understanding during her toughest moments.

As her own children grew more self-absorbed and distant, the grandmother found comfort in revisiting those cherished memories. She could no longer share her feelings directly with her children (they define it "intrusion into parental disciplining"), so she turned to writing as a way to express her emotions and reflections. Through her stories, she hoped to convey the importance of kindness and understanding in disciplining and nurturing the next generation.

Uncle Bennet's role in her life had been profound. His hug was not just a moment of comfort but a powerful lesson in empathy and gentle care. And so, the grandmother's writings reveal the lasting impact of love and compassion, hoping to inspire others to embrace these values in their own lives.