Damn, that grit again...
Beautifully poignant memory, Roger. For me, it was almost 31 years ago to the week when I went through that same emotionally-charged experience. It really is a life-changer, and I walked about with a fixed grin for at least 24 hours. I couldn't wait to get back to the maternity ward to hold my beautiful baby daughter once more. Proud doesn't begin to cover it. This was The Meaning Of Life cradled in my arms. Nothing could have prepared me for that moment. Nor indeed the thunderous explosion in my tiny daughter's nappy as I held her, which I have to say was as unnatural a sound as it was unexpected.
My wife had drifted off moments earlier, so I offered my child to the nearest nurse, with an apologetic, "I think she may have filled her nappy." I'll never forget those slowly and carefully folded arms, the widening stare deep into my eyes, with the gentlest, but most purposeful of nods. And that grin... that wicked, wicked grin.......