When your father becomes a grandfather

Yes, Dad, it's happening. Almost. You're going to be a grandpa in a few weeks. And not just any grandpa. No, a grandpa of two little boys, two at once. That has also been a surprise for you.

My father is himself the father of three girls and when he heard that he is now getting grandsons, he beamed from ear to ear all day. A few days later he wanted to come over again to eat cake and drink coffee, because he wasn't done talking about it yet. It's unknown, yes, little boys, but also incredibly cozy, a house full and new. Finally some men in our family. Finally going to football, building cool huts in the garden, and playing with cars. Learning sports from grandpa. Learning math from grandpa. Of course, he thinks having daughters is wonderful, but it's also nice that something different is going to happen than what he knows.

I'm looking forward to my kids being able to go to their grandparents, one day a week, sometimes a weekend, when we want to go out. I have the best memories of my grandparents as a child, how we could stay over or come for dinner and play. As a child, that's amazing because you often get to do more than at home. And knowing that my parents are ready with open arms for my children is something to cherish. First as babies in a crib, but one day they will also enthusiastically call ‘grandpa Dick’ through the house and ask him for help with their math homework.

I also find it incredibly special that it is precisely I who ‘makes’ my father a grandpa’. The new and oh so important role in his life, through my boys, through my babies. He can't wait for them to arrive and neither can I. Although he may not say it very often out loud, I know he is overjoyed that there will be grandchildren next spring. That he gets to fill that new role after 61 years. Because it's going to happen, not too long from now. Not just a father, but also a grandpa.

Dad, one thing is for sure: you are going to be a wonderful grandfather for these two little boys. No doubt about it. Because I know what kind of father you have been and still are for your daughters.