The following stories were taken from a book recently published by students at the Rabbittown Learning Centre located in St. John's. Each story gives the reader a picture of the writer's thoughts. Answering the questions at the end of each story will give you a better idea of the writer's message.

My Grandfather

by Barry Sullivan

This is a story about my grandfather who I miss very much. He passed away on November 23, 1987 when he was sixty-one years of age. My grandfather wasn't a big man, but he was a good man. He loved to watch hockey games on TV, while rolling his cigarettes and drinking his tea or coffee. He could roll three packs of cigarettes from one pack of tobacco.

My grandfather was like a father to me, more than my real father was. I loved him with all my heart, and I think I was his favorite grandson. We did a lot of things together like fishing, playing bingo, and playing cards. He taught me how to drive a car when I was only 10 years old. I used to visit him all the time. Every time we played cards, he would cheat and win all the money. Sometimes we would go camping in the summer and spend a couple of days fishing.

My grandfather loved to play darts with the family. We were all in a dart league together. We enjoyed it very much. He was a good dart player but, I know if he was alive today, I could beat him at the game.

Whenever I needed a ride to school, or to the store, my grandfather was always there to take me. He would even get me to warm up the car for him on cold days. Sometimes when he went to bingo, my grandmother and I would go along. She is a very kind lady and I love her very much.

Today my grandfather would be so proud of me for marrying a beautiful woman from Fogo Island. He would be glad I came back to school to get my education and hopefully my automotive papers.

Name three of grandfather's favorite pastimes.

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How old was the author when he learned to drive?

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What goals does the author have?

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Activity: Write a short story describing someone in your past that you thought a lot about.

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