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Our son and daughter‑in‑law married a bit later in life, and for more than three years they tried to have their first child without success. It was a long season of worry and waiting. Then—truly, almost unexpectedly—they welcomed their son, Cyrus, this past January.

 

When our daughter‑in‑law’s maternity leave was ending in May, my wife “abandoned” me and flew to Nashville, TN, to help care for the baby. Since then, my mornings have begun with the photos and videos she sends of our grandson. But two days ago, I finally came to hold him myself.

 

Naturally, the moment I arrived, I wanted to scoop Cyrus into my arms. Yet this little fellow, seeing an unfamiliar face, wouldn’t even meet my eyes and looked ready to cry. I felt a twinge of sadness—“Ah, this boy doesn’t even recognize his own grandpa.” Still, after holding him and soothing him several times, something changed. By the very next day, he nestled comfortably in my arms.

 

And that feeling—having him relax and rest against me—was a joy almost like gaining the whole world.