The year 1943 was all about war. My dad was twenty-two years old and serving our country. This week would have marked his 101st birthday, with my mom technically just 13 hours behind. I would be adopted into their family nearly eight years later, carrying on the family name of Johnston. My son is the last of that surname, with his son taking on the last name of Jordon alongside two Johnston sisters. They all live about 15 minutes away from my new Florida home. 

My youngest grandchild, Nora, age three, gave me a hug before dinner last night and said, “I know you’re glad to see me!” It was so cute! We all got together as a family for the first time this year, following exposure to Covid, although I have done some babysitting on my own. Nora’s older sister Maddux will soon be thirteen, and not nearly as excited to see me. She grew up thousands of miles from me, so Nora is my first chance to be a true grandfather – part of her life on a consistent basis. The oldest grandchild is Gavyn, having just turned fifteen. He was sending back pictures from Indiana of his first romp in the snow. It was his birthday present from my ex-wife that included an airplane trip on his own. They are all growing up so fast. 

We dined at Olive Garden last night after first agreeing to celebrate Gavyn’s birthday at Dave & Buster’s. However, with his detour to Fort Wayne, we decided to go without him, deciding on Pincher’s. Then, my son’s work schedule changed, so we picked The Twisted Fork, closer to his workplace. Upon arrival, we discovered that there was a long wait due to traffic from a nearby carnival and we all rerouted to Carrabba’s. We initially agreed to wait an hour for our table but grew quickly impatient and switched finally to the less busy Olive Garden. It’s always complicated when the seven of us try to get together. 

My son agreed to help us hang some overhead lights and fans next week since we haven’t heard back from the electrician we called. My wife wants to get them installed because her sister and husband arrive soon for a visit. Our neighbor is also expecting my son to help connect some TVs she just purchased from him, so he’s highly in demand. Nora will likely be his assistant, knowing that once again I’ll be glad to see her!