My granddaughter, Daisy, has always held a special place in my heart, from the first time I held her all the way through receiving her masters degree. Now she is a grown woman, degreed, employed and engaged to her special somebody, Chris (they call him CJ).

Daisy was and will always be an Air Force brat. Her dad, our oldest son, wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life after graduating from high school. With my being ex-RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), my obvious suggestion was to let Uncle Sam help him find his way.

To our surprise, Justin headed to the Air Force recruiter and aced his exam. The recruiter simply put the careers book in front of him and said, “You pick!” He began his U.S.A.F. career in Histology, finishing off over 20 years of service in Hazard Preparedness.

During Justin’s career, he did have to move (repost) on occasion, based on the military’s needs. He started in Riverside, California; then to Alaska; then to Florida (where Daisy was born); then to Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mountain Home, Idaho; and finally Tacoma, Washington. He did spend a couple of tours in the Middle East, but those were non-family postings; the wife and kids had to stay behind. When Justin retired, he planted his roots into the Florida Panhandle, and has been there ever since.

Other than Florida and Alaska, it wasn’t uncommon for us to hop into our RV and do a road trip, to visit the grandkids. In June of 2023 Daisy and CJ flew to Oregon to spend a week with us. It was so much fun showing them all that Jacksonville had to offer. It was also a great opportunity for Grammy and Grampy to get to know CJ a little better. We liked him, a lot! Yup, we knew he was going to be “the one.”

Not seeing Daisy for over a year, every moment, and every experience, to me was a memory I would cherish, forever. I never wanted it to end. Then it happened, an event that would change everything, forever. A tragedy 2,893 miles away in Florida. Daisy would never forget the phone call that would cut short our time together.

Daisy and CJ had to make arrangements to fly back to Florida to attend the memorial service for their good friend’s young daughter who drowned in their pool. As Daisy was telling me what happened, my mind went numb with sadness for the child, for the parents, for the community, and for Daisy. She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer.

With outstretched arms she nestled her head onto my chest and wept sorrowfully. I embraced her tightly, assuring her that she will get through this. God will give her the strength to navigate this and she would not have to do it alone. She had CJ by her side. 

As I now reflect on Daisy, I wonder where have all the years gone? The first time I held Daisy, she cried and the last time I held Daisy, she cried. Is it wrong for me to be glad she wept in my arms? I am sad for the situation but elated that she came to me as her pillar to lean on.

Now we are entering a new Daisy era. Kerry and I have booked flights and accommodations in Tallahassee, Florida, to witness Daisy and CJ tie the knot on Saturday, May 25, 2024. I think I better bring a lot of Kleenex!

If you have kids and a pool, be watchful and have a memorable 2024 (for all the right reasons).

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