He’s glad to have help.
Hayden hugged my neck.
“I’m glad you’re my grandpa.”
On Father’s Day, Hayden came into my bedroom holding something behind her back.
“Close your eyes, Grandpa.”
I did.
“Now open them.”
Hayden hugged my neck.
My granddaughter held up a green construction-paper tie.
It was covered in yellow stars.
Across the front, she’d written:
“BEST GRANDPA EVER!”
My throat tightened.
“Put it on!” she said.
“For breakfast?”
My throat tightened.
She grinned.
“For forever!”
I clipped it on.
Hayden studied me.
“Do you think Ashley would like mine?”
“Sweetheart,” I whispered, “I think she’d love it.”
She grinned.
That afternoon, I framed Ashley’s original tie and letter.
Hayden helped me hang them beside our college graduation photo.
Sometimes, my granddaughter stands there, asking questions about Ashley.
I tell her everything.
Hayden helped me hang them.
Through Hayden, Ashley gave me a reason to keep making more memories.
