The telephone rang. It was Louise, my brother Sal´s wife. She was inviting us over for dinner. This was not unusual. We are a close-knit family. We get together often. Sal is the oldest brother, we are four boys and three girls, I am the youngest We were asked to come before 6 o´clock.
My wife, Marie, and I arrived at the right time. We were seated in the living room in front of the tv. The news was on. Nobody paid any attention to it We talked about the weather and children. Small talk. Louise served us finger food. She is an excellent cook and a wonderful hostess.
Then it happened. The news ended and the credits started to roll up from the bottom of the screen. My brother Sal became the conductor. His arms went up, all attention went his way.
He was pointing at the credits. All eyes were looking as he pointed.
Then it came up - “Thomas Giusto. Asst. Reporter.” This is their grandson.
All the time Sal was saying, “Look, Look, See”, and his fingers were walking up the screen with the name. This took all of five seconds.
When it was over, the two grandparents stood up. They had smiles from ear to ear. My brother´s chest swelled up so much, he was about to pop some buttons off his shirt. It reminded me of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” when the grinch´s heart grew three times larger.
Louise was aglow like a new bride. It was a most beautiful sight.
I had no idea that a name could cause such a phenomena. This was just a name, not a person, or a picture.
UNTILLLLLLL.................................................. My daughter Theresa presented me with a grandson - Jesse. Now every time he calls me “Grandpa”, my chest swells up. I love you Jesse. Thank you.