My dad was a really good grandpa. My kids called him Papa. Even though he passed away in 2004 when my son was twelve and my daughter was nine, he had been very involved in their young lives from babyhood and beyond. We only lived a couple of miles away, so Dad was there for all of their first smiles, first teeth, first steps, and first words. And when they got old enough, he took them to the movies, took them bowling, played with them at the park behind his house, had them spend the night, took them out to eat, rooted for my son at his soccer games, applauded my daughter at her ballet recitals – the list goes on and on. He would always say, “When am I gonna see those kids?” He was their #1 fan. I so wish that they had gotten more time with him, but I tell them both that he hasn’t missed out on a single thing since he left us because, from where he’s watching, he’s got the best seat in the house!
Happy Papa’s Day, Dad!
My dad kept this framed photo of him and my kids in his office.
It’s been keeping me company in my office for nearly eighteen years now!
Finding the Write Words 