“Hello, Papa!”

We had plenty of great reactions when we told our family we were having a baby.  One of the most genuine was from my dad.  He was just thrilled when he found out.  He has always wanted a granddaughter and we took a video of him opening up a onesie that told him he was indeed going to have a granddaughter. His reaction to that was priceless!

Throughout the pregnancy, he called to ask how Sam was.  We called him after every OB/GYN appointment with updates and news.  We called him to tell him we were on our way to the hospital, too.  He was upset, though.  He knew it would be a week or so before he would get to see Ella.  Grandma Rose came down with Influenza A, and Papa was not about to get his precious grandbaby sick.

So for the past two weeks, I’ve been using Google Duo to do video chats with him when Ella is awake and happy.  You could tell that it was really bothering him that he hadn’t gotten to hold her yet.  He was loving being able to see her and talk to her on the phone, but it wasn’t the same.

Yesterday, he was finally able to come up and hold her for the first time.   When they got to the house, Sam had just finished feeding her.  She said, “You can hold her if you want” and my dad was up to get her before Sam finished the sentence!

What an amazing thing to see him holding her!  He stared at her, talked with her, touched her cheek and held her hand.  It was such a beautiful thing to witness!  As he spoke to her, I could hear his voice cracking and I could see a tear welling up in his eyes.  It was truly an emotional thing to see.  This showering of love and affection was so special.  I took pictures, but wish I had taken video.  She will never have to wonder how much her Papa loves her – you can see it in his face.

My dad’s relationship with his grandsons is not as strong as it could be, due to my previous relationship.  But, that doesn’t stop him from loving those boys with all his heart.  I hope they know that.  Ella will never have to question that, as I will be sure that she gets to see him as often as possible.  She has been blessed with some wonderful grandparents and great grandparents!  I am SO glad that they are a part of her life.  I am sure that she is going to be very spoiled.

Grandparents are indeed a blessing!  There is a quote that says, “Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories, and love!”  I certainly had those things with my grandparents.  As I look at the picture of my dad and Ella, I can’t help but notice the love in his face.  It immediately reminded me of a picture of my grandpa (my dad’s dad) looking very much the same way at his grandson (me).  Compare the two.  The love of these two men for the babies in their arms is a powerful, never ending love!!!

Dad, thank you for being an amazing man.  I am proud to be your son.  I am so happy that my children have you in their life.  I see so much of grandpa in you.  He raised you right.  You raised me right, as well, and I hope that one day my children look back and see you in me.

(My sons, too!)

Ella stayed awake long enough to get a picture or two with Papa and Grandma Rose.  I just love it and had to share.

Ella and Papa – March 1, 2020