Unforgettable Whistling, by Kiara

When I introduced vignettes to my students, I showed them one of Eudora Welty's, which was about whistling. Kiara used the whistling in Welty's vignette as motivation to write a vignette of her own.


As a child, I would hear the sweet and happy whistling of my grandfather, Victor Vernon. My grandfather was tall, had a dark caramel complexion, grey and black wavy hair and a permanent friendly smile on his handsome face. He and my grandmother would always come and visit from Panama. They usually would stay at my house, no matter what. My house was sort of the spot of comfort for my family.

My grandfather was a Christian, wise, and a peaceful person. He always played with my brother and me. He was our joy when he visited. He whistled tunes I've never heard before. When he whistled it brought bliss to throughout the house. It is the type of bliss that's contaigious. As contaigous as a smile or laugh. No one can whistle as great as my grandfather, not even 'til this day.

Now I no longer hear my grandpa's whistling, jokes or just the sound of his assuring voice. My grandfather tragically died in a car accident. He had just arrived in Panama coming from the US when my grandpa suddenly fell unconscience while still driving. I believe God was unfair to my family and me. Why did he have to leave? He now whistles with God.