"PA"

My husband is the best grandpa in the whole world! That may seem like a biased opinion, but I think there are many people in this world who would agree with me.
When he first became a Grandpa with the birth of Madeline, it became clear very quickly that he was totally in love with this little creature and would do anything for her. She is the one that named him "Pa" and it has stuck. All three grand kids call him "Pa" except, lately, the littlest, Abbey, has started to call him "Papa". It makes your heart melt to hear her say it.
The kids all took their turn at classes at Little Gym. With both Maddy & Jack, Pa would occasionally take them instead of mommy. He sang the songs, chased them around, etc. He finally got his turn to take Abbey today. The picture above screams LOVE to me. Look how he placed her shoes on top of his. Here is this big, middle aged man in his socks, playing along with his granddaughter. For 45 minutes she is the entire focus of his world and she knows it. Who among us can say we get some one's undivided attention for 45 minutes very often?
Some might think he is the kid's favorite because he gives them everything they want (and he does), but I don't think that is really it. What he gives them is him, his time, his attention. Where we would hand them a puzzle to occupy their time, he sits down and works the puzzle with them. He doesn't just go outside and read his paper while they swing, he pushes, and pushes, and pushes, and pushes them some more. He knows what really matters and it is these children. Shiny, new toys grow boring quickly. Pa's undivided attention is the gift that keeps on giving. They are like little flowers that blossom under his sun. We are all warmed by watching it.
That's why he's the best grandpa in the whole world!