10
Loading video...
By Daniella Gray
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A grandpa from Birmingham, Alabama, has melted hearts on the internet for his sweet tradition every time his granddaughter visits.
Mom Tanner Gathof (@tannntokkk) posted a clip on TikTok with the text overlay: "Late night finds but it’s my dad setting out my daughter’s toys to welcome her every time she comes over."
What follows is a montage of text messages from her dad—each one accompanied by a photo of what he calls the "Welcome Committee": a small lineup of his granddaughter Reeves’ beloved stuffed animals and toys, posed carefully by the front door.
Read More on Family & Parenting
On one day, it is Winnie the Pooh and a plush Simba. On another, Mickey Mouse figurines are arranged as if eagerly awaiting her arrival.
"Every Tuesday and Thursday, [Reeves] goes over to my mom and dad’s house because I am a full-time working mom," Gathof told Newsweek. "They happily take care of her and babysit on those days. She gets super excited each time she comes in, even though she has seen those same toys a million times. It’s the little things that mean the most, and he knows that this simple gesture will make her happy."
...
Gathof first discovered her dad’s tradition through his text updates. "When I found out he was doing this, it touched my heart," the mom said. "But also, I was not totally surprised. This is my dad and who he is. He is super thoughtful, and his whole world revolves around his granddaughter. We are lucky to have him."
That thoughtfulness is nothing new for Gathof’s dad, Mark, affectionately known as "Poppy" to Reeves.
"He was the most-involved dad with me as a little girl, and he is the same way with my daughter," Gathof said. "Anyone who knows my daughter knows that my dad is her favorite person. Every toddler has ‘their person,’ and my dad is the chosen one most of the time. She is always talking about her Poppy, [and] he will do anything to see her smile."
Gathof’s clip has been viewed more than 539,000 times on TikTok. Hundreds of users commented on the clip, saying the world needs more Poppys.
"Protect this man at all costs," one user wrote.
"It’s such a blessing to see your parents become grandparents," another added.
A third user said, "This is so special and rare."
Since becoming a mother, Gathof said having supportive and involved grandparents, like Mark and his wife, Leigh, is one of the greatest things.
When Gathof and her husband, Caleb, are working, the grandparents often step in to babysit.
"It takes a village to raise a child, and my parents are a huge part of my village," Gathof said. "My daughter thinks her grandparents hung the moon."
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines