Grandpa Jack

"Jack, the kids are here! Leave that cigar outside and come back in!" Lately, Jack was a bit harder of hearing than usual, but it was hard to believe he didnt hear any of the noise coming from the front door... Or maybe he was pretending not to hear while enjoying some final moments of peace before the grandchildren stormed the house.

She opened the door and all of them were there. It was fascinating to see them all together, their kids, their partners, and also their own kids. At that time, two different thoughts passed her mind. First, she thought about the passing of time, it was amazing and also a bit frightening. Second, she wondered if she had made enough food for all the tribe...

The smallest one, Allison, not only was obviously grandpas favorite, but also the head of the "Department of Cute Affairs", as her mom usually said. She was sitting on Jacks lap when she produced an envelope and gave it to Cindy. On it, it was written "Happy Anniversary from the Von Trapp family!"

"Whats that, babe?" Jack asked intrigued. Cindy opened the envelope and found two airline tickets to Wien, Austria. "It seems that our kids have prepared a really nice anniversary treat for us, honey", said Cindy while handing the tickets to him, the rest of the family waiting for his reaction, holding their breath.

Visibly moved, he tried to wipe the tears with the sleeve of his cardigan and said "Damn, you always know how to hit the soft spot..." He added, "Well, you know the drill for these occasions"

The kids arranged themselves in the usual order and started singing "So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night..." Jack was laughing, just like another kid, totally delighted with the display. Cindy looked at him exactly in the same way as she did at that drive-in theater, so long ago.