PSSSST

Dad was a proud and loving grandfather, but I wouldn’t call him doting. He’d occasionally get on all fours and horse-play with his grandchildren. He would show off the babies proudly to the neighbors. He would give them $1 bills for A’s on their report cards. He and Mom, however, had always made it fairly clear to us that although they loved their grandchildren dearly; they wanted no part in being regular day-care providers. That’s understandable given their first grandchild was born when they still had three kids in elementary school!

So I was pretty blown away by Dad when Stephanie was born. Gary and I happened to be providing the weekend adult supervision for Adam, Tom and John on the particular Saturday when it was “time to go”. Our predicament of having six minors at our home while we were at John Muir Hospital prompted an urgent call to Mom. She cheerfully agreed to come over and spend the day with the kids. Stephanie was born that afternoon, and Mom and Dad were two of our first visitors. Dad took a shine to Stephanie immediately.

After I returned home, Dad took up the task of being the “meals-on-wheels” provider. He’d call in the morning and ask if he could bring over dinner. My answer was always yes, and he’d come over in the afternoon with such wonderful dinners: spaghetti with meatballs and homemade sauce, pork chops, multiple varieties of soups. He had so much fun with this cooking project, it continued well beyond my recovery term. He had several reasons for doing this: partly he loved to cook; partly he wanted to help us out; but I think primarily he wanted to come over and visit Stephanie.

Once I returned to work (at the shop), I brought Stephanie with me. The closet in my office was big enough for a port-a-crib, so she’d take her naps in there. Dad would come in every day to see her. He’d give me a hard time if she was “locked up” the closet.

When she became a little older and recognized people, he’d hide outside my office door going “PSSSST, PSSSST, PSSSST” until he captured Stephanie’s attention. Soon enough, she’d hear that sound and happily yell “GRANDPA!”. They played this game every day. He would take her on walks around the shop showing her off to all the employees, he showed her how to make that popping sound with his finger in his cheek, and they would dance.

Dad has left a lasting impression on Stephanie. It's touching to know that she has such wonderful memories of him before he became sick. She never knew her other grandfather, so Dad’s relationship with her was extra special. My three older girls also have good memories of Dad, but I don’t think they compare to the special connection between Stephanie and her Grandpa.