Our dad has always been expressive, not a man who hides his sentimental feelings. He always did tell us he loved us when we were children, and he is still telling us. Lately though, it seems as if that's all he can say: "Have I told you lately how much I love you?" "I love you so much there are no words to express it." or "I'm the luckiest man in the world to have such a wonderful daughter." If we rub his head, shoulders or back then he is effusive. Since he has always been very appreciative of that kind of attention, I am reluctant to say that this is a change, but his expressions of joy just seem more rapt, more urgent. It's as if his ability to enjoy living has been distilled down to only enjoying a hand on his back or head.
Yesterday I was on my way to see him and decided to call my sister. I was so happy to find out that she was already there at his home. This meant a more fun visit for me and for him. I therefore was completely surprised and delighted when I received a call from my niece Ana who lives 9 hours from here, saying that she and her new husband were in our area for a job interview. She wanted to come down and introduce her hubby to her grandpa.
I prepared him for the visit so that it wouldn't disappoint her that her grandpa didn't appear to remember her, or know that she was married. I do think the visit went well. I am not absolutely sure he remembered her, but he told her he loved her many times and talked to her new husband enough to make them feel like it was worth the effort.
