Animal Fair

My oldest nephew is 24 years old, Molly is 7 months and there's a full gaggle in between. Since my dad's stroke his interaction with the grandchildren is different than prior to the stroke. There are no more boat rides, no more deer to skin, no more stops at the Indian Lake donut shop, no more beach vacations or bedtime stories read. But there are still baptisms, hotdogs are still roasted by the fire, his whiskers still tickle when he gives you a kiss, and endless hugs are always available.

I was sad when Molly was born that she didn't have the opportunity to know the jolly old Grandpa Jack who was always willing to break the rules for his grandkids. But last night was different. We were driving home from visiting my brother and Molly was a little fussy, so I started to sing The Animal Fair to her. This is a family favorite that my grandfather sang to my dad and down the generations it was passed. As I was singing, Grandpa Jack joined in and by the time we got home, he was the one singing to Molly. Although she won't remember that night, I will be sure to tell her about how Grandpa Jack sang The Animal Fair to her all the way home from Lima to keep her happy.

Based on these pictures, Molly is just as happy as can be with her Grandpa Jack!