I didn't know my grandfathers. One died when I was very young and the other wasn't in our lives. Watching Tony and his grandchildren makes me realize what I missed not having that relationship in my life.
Tony tells nonsense stories to Coleton, Anthony and Owen. He reads to them, face times with them, plays games and draws pictures for them to color. He used to play with Ben and Sam when they were little by having them sit at the top of the steps and roll a ball down the hand rail. He would turn around so it would hit him in the butt. Now, that, was entertainment! "Papa said butt!!!" They would giggle!
And with Alex, it's all about the mustache! She loves to feel it. She can say, "Papa," now and that makes him very happy.
Tony turned 72 on Sunday but I secretly think he is still 50. He plays golf, works at the golf course, still does yard work, small home repairs, puts things together, is still painting beautiful pieces of art and drives to Fayetteville for disabled veterans taking them to doctors appointments at the VA hospital.
Tony got all kinds of cards, good wishes and gifts for his birthday. All of the kids and grandkids called or face-timed him for his birthday, which was his favorite gift.
We went out to dinner with Donna and Bob again this year and on Sunday, I took him to Tarentelli's, one of our favorite Italian restaurants.
He is 72 and still going strong--and we all love that.
Playing games with Papa
I can say, "Papa" now!
They all still laugh at Papa's jokes
Papa and his girl
Papa takes time away from Dixie to face time
with Tony Jr and the kids. She's not happy
Dixie is examining Tony's birthday gift from us
Here's Dixie reading Tony's birthday card with him.
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