Ruth Pietras

Toby Remembers Ruth Pietras

How do you talk about death and dying with a child? When there is such sadness and confusion about what it means, where does healing begin?

This is the story of a boy who has lost his grandpa and is beginning to navigate the whirlwind of emotions that can sometimes seem more than a young heart can hold.

For Toby, losing his Grandpa was like losing all the wonderful colors he carried inside him.

One night, Toby has a dream his Grandpa is coming to play with him. The next morning, Toby races off to the playground. Toby knows that his Grandpa has died, but his heart so badly wants to be with him again.

This is the story of a journey toward understanding and acceptance, as Toby comes to find his Grandpa will always be with him. On the playground, on a walk in the woods, in the spring flowers and the autumn leaves with their fireworks of color before they fall to the ground.