Towards the end of his life, my grandfather was not particular happy. He had loved having a small yard and a garage and a sailboat, and as he grew older he lost all of these things. Into their eighties, Grandpa and Grandma moved into the Casa de las Campanas retirement home, a change that was probably great for Grandma but further isolated Grandpa from the things that he loved.

So this picture, taken when Grandpa was in his mid-eighties, is really dear to me. As you can see, he and his daughter share the same spry, almost-mischievous smile. Grandpa was an ardent joker and tease, but this was a part of his personality that he mostly reserved for his family. Mom was kind of his protege in this regard, as she clearly inherited the largest portion of Grandpa’s funny streak. I love how this picture captures Grandpa and Mom, both with their warm smiles, so clearly happy in each other’s presence.