All it took

All it took was a friendly face.

The day started difficult again.
My girl was not happy or approachable.
There was nothing I could do to make her smile.
My Dad sent me a message and offered to come over.
He changed the day completely.

My girl absolutely adores her Grandad.
He has some kind of magic that can bring her out of the darkest moods.
He has been through so much with ill health this last year, but is still always there for us.
On my girls violent meltdown days I don’t let people in the house as it is stressful, and a risk, to us all.
On days like today where she is teetering on the edge of meltdown, but still in control, we welcome his friendly face!

My Dad offered to watch my girl for a while so I could nip out with my boy and do a few errands.
I really needed a break and jumped at the chance, but left feeling nervous about how my girl would cope.
I needn’t have worried!
He has the patience of a saint, a humour that my girl thinks is hilarious, and a direct way of talking to her so she understands.
He can make her laugh with a silly phrase, and he plays repetitive games with her that only they understand.
He sits and plays hangman with her for hours, she thrives off his attention.
They just seem to click.
They have a bond that would melt the coldest of hearts.

I arrived home to a calm household and a bouncy, smily girl.
I couldn’t believe the transformation.
I don’t know what he did to turn things around, but I am extremely grateful.
He has such a way with her.

I wonder if, just as I needed a break from my girl, she needed a break from me.

My Dad is amazing, I honestly don’t know where we would be without him.