I phoned every aunt, uncle, and cousin on the list he had written out in his careful handwriting.
Aunt Linda picked up on the second ring.
« Saturday at one? Oh, honey, wouldn’t miss it. Write me down. »
Uncle Greg was just as enthusiastic.
« Eighty years old, can you believe it? Tell Grandpa I’ll be there with bells on. »
Jenna sent a string of heart emojis and a promise that she and her husband would bring flowers.
Even my parents, who had been distant since they moved to the next county, swore they would drive in early to help set up.
« We’ll be there by noon, » my mom said. « Tell Dad we love him. »
I wrote it all down.
I read the list back to Grandpa, name by name, and watched his face soften with each one.
Continue on the next page:
