“Hey dad, you want to hold your granddaughter?”
I have to admit, that question startled me for a (very brief) moment. But it hit me – my first grandchild.
Amy Sarah Roberts joined our family January 24th. She entered this world like her namesake – being fussy, loud… and beautiful in every way.
Her father, my son (and Vegas Voice video editor) Jason and wife Diana named her after my wife. For long-time readers of this column, you’re well aware of my “forever little sweetheart.”
I met Amy when I was 15 and she was only 12. We grew up together, created 4 perfect sons and shared 35 years as husband and wife. Then after a combined total of 42 years, in September 2011 she suddenly passed away.
I could not contain my joy (nor hide my tears) when over the summer at our “baby reveal “ dinner, Jason & Diana announced her future name. To be honest, the idea of another “Amy” in my life was unfathomable.
So was the realization of a girl after raising only boys. To illustrate how out-of-touch this publisher was, you should have seen my freaked-out reaction when I saw her new mom change Amy’s diaper.
I thought my new grandchild was defective. “Oh my God” I exclaimed. “She’s missing parts.” Diana (and everybody else) thought I lost my mind.
“Dad, it’s a girl. You better get used to it” my son advised.
Despite my stupidity, my PILL (partner in love & life) Rana couldn’t get over my non-stop grin. She remarked that the last time I smiled that long was when the New York Giants won the Super Bowl. That was over a decade ago.
I now “get” why my friends and neighbors would go on and on talking about their grandchildren. And that includes my Rana.
From the moment I met my Ladylove, she would happily discuss her grandson (now grown-up and married) Alex. After listening to her proclaim how wonderful and fantastic Alex was, and still is, I labelled him the “Messiah.” That remark is one of the few times Rana does not disagree with my assessment.
Anyway permit me to boast that granddaughter Amy is perfect. She has 10 fingers and 10 toes (yeah, I checked – twice) to go with her two eyes and ears. I also now understand how one can instantly and unconditionally love a new addition to your life.
As you can imagine, I want and will do everything possible so that she grows up healthy, happy and safe. And I eagerly look forward to my new role as “papa.”
One last thing. You better believe that I will be spoiling “my little Amy.” And after conferring with my now fellow grandparents, I’ve learned the best part – if and when she gets really fussy and loud, I can always give her back to her mom and dad.
