There was a time when my grandson ran to the door shouting “Abba, Abba” whenever I arrived to spend time with him at his home. Now that he’s 5, such exhibitions of enthusiasm are less regular.
But my 2-year-old granddaughter, who has just given up asking for a video call with me every day, now runs to the front door shouting “Abba, Abba” (the family name for grandfather). I know it’s just a stage, but it is flattering and humbling to receive that kind of attention. It makes me want to up my game.
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We were visiting my in-laws in Liverpool when my son was 27 months old, and I went down on the train to London for two nights to meet with colleagues there. When I got back, my wife and son were there to greet me. He sees me on the platform and comes tearing at me shouting, "DADDY DADDY DADDY DADDY DADDY!" I catch him, pick him up, toss him in the air, catch him again, and then we have biggest hug. Obviously my wife had loaded him up, but still, no one has ever been so happy to see me before or since.