Xavier's Paternal Granddad Gets a Turn
Greetings to everyone.
This morning I had planned to meet my father at a local pancake house for breakfast. Rebecca and I thought this meeting might double as a good opportunity to let my dad meet his youngest grandson also.
My dad has met Xavier briefly in the past. The first time we ran into my dad at a hospital. We both paid a visit to my uncle (Dad's brother, Gene). Dad was coming and we were going. It was past Xavier's bed time, and he was letting everyone in the hospital know it. He was being a little pill. My dad barely had a chance to see Xavier; Rebecca and Xavier's great aunt, Beth, whisked him to the car (Xavier was not demonstrating the best of behavior, and we were still battling some of those early issues with Xavier).
Dad met Xavier again last summer. We had breakfast with one of Dad's brothers, Xavier's great uncle, Con. The adults discussed the topic which brought us to the breakfast while Xavier played quietly near the table. As we got up to leave, and Dad went to hold Xavier for the first time, Xavier cried and put up a fuss. It was past his morning nap time and not knowing the man holding him pushed Xavier over the edge into crying and demanding his own father hold him. For me, it was disappointing, and I think for Dad also.
Before leaving to meet Dad this morning, Rebecca made a suggestion. "Why not have your father come here? I'll fix us breakfast." Brilliant! A better atmosphere. Xavier could run around in a familiar environment. Introductions could be made at a convenient pace. I called Dad, and he agreed to the change of venue.
Because Dad is without a car at the moment, I picked him up and drove him over. We enjoyed breakfast together: pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage and something called a Crans's Cake: a sweet bread loaf laced with ribbons of chocolate. Xavier sat in his highchair and ate with us.
After breakfast, we brought Xavier over to meet his granddad. Handing him over, Xavier did not squawk or squirm too much. Dad sat Xavier on the edge of the table in front of where he sat. The two got acquainted. Dad played typical games one plays to engage a child you've just met. Xavier warmed quickly and gave Dad a big, toothy Xavier grin and a giggle/laugh. They spent a few minutes together before I had to drive Dad back home.
I have longed to have my dad meet Xavier. This morning's meeting brought a tear not only to Dad's eye, but mine as well. I wish I had thought to have a camera ready to memorialize their first meeting.