THE CHILDREN'S STORY

Grandad, by Minnie

I don't know much about my Grandad and I never will. His appearance still lives, but his thoughts are dead and lost, not in the sense that he's dead for ever, a part of him still lives like photographs.

You can see he was a good father and husband, it happens to the best of people. I suppose you're wondering what I'm trying to say, so I'll try to say it clearly: my Grandad has Alzheimer's. It's a bit like losing a part of yourself I think, slowly, and you know it's going to happen, that is the worst part about it. Imagine everything you have ever learnt and been taught to be forgotten. Imagine if you don't remember all your loved ones, you never know where you are, it must be frightening as well as confusing.

My Grandad is Scottish, he was brought up in Scotland in Glasgow. He had a brother named Jim and two loving parents. He spent all of his childhood in Glasgow. And that's when his story has to end. All we have left of my Grandad Tom Scott are memories of him and photographs. I only wish I could have to chance to know him better.

Minnie, 10 years old.

Hanover Junior School, London

The children's story is open to

stories of up to 400 words written by children up to the age of 15.

If your child or pupil has a story you think we could publish, send it with a self-addressed envelope to

'The Children's Story',

Section Two,

The Independent,

Canary Wharf,

One Canada Square,

London E14 5DL.