I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished in life. I have won and lost, been up and down, but there is nothing that even comes close as my greatest triumph, the capstone to my life: my family. Cynthia and I have been together as a married couple for 50 years, more as life partners. We have seen Camille, Mark and Paolo become the very best of what they can be. And now, we have four grandchildren we can dote on and spoil.

Just last week, we welcomed Camille Claudia, the newest addition to our family. The arrival of our fourth grandchild has obviously filled our family with anticipation and indescribable joy. Another cute little kid will soon run around and make her “lolo” exhausted. Memorable events like these also give me an opportunity to be more introspective because what is the point of these high points in your life if you cannot take them in for reflection?

Being there as my daughter Camille brings life into this world is nothing short of magical. It is a moment when time seems to ground to a halt, and every breath she takes comes with strength and grace. As I held Camille Claudia for the first time, I was also amazed at Camille’s strength and nurturing spirit. The innocence of a new born baby to me is a reminder of hope and new beginnings. I imagine Camille itching to go home to her new baby even as she attends to her duties as a Senator. But if anyone can do it, it’s Camille.

When your daughter becomes a mother and begins building her own family, it makes you nostalgic of the years that have passed. As Camille held her new daughter with tears of joy rolling down her eyes, I saw her not just as a mother but as the young kid who waited for me to come home, who rushed and gave me a hug every time I open our house door, as a young woman who once depended on my guidance, whose heartbeat I have known since she was in my arms. I have always spoken in public about the immense pride I have in how Camille has grown — into a woman capable of nurturing another life.

The joy of seeing my daughter give birth also reignites memories of parenthood—the sleepless nights, the first words, the first day in school, all the milestones that once captivated our little corner of the world. I relate deeply to the bond Camille is forming, understanding that the love she now feels mirrors the unending and unconditional love I once enveloped her with.

Becoming a father was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Although we all have unique experiences, there is something universal in the unconditional love, rapturous joy, and profound responsibility after you realize you will now be responsible for another life. Each sleepless night (there were many), each visit to the hospital, and each second spent with my children was a lesson in humility and love that shaped me into the person I have become. I learned that at the end of the day, amidst all the material things around our lives, our family is the most important thing in the world. My family is my life.

Now, I am a “lolo” once again. Being a grandfather is awesome because it brings me joy, I can spoil them, I can play with them minus the everyday responsibility—that’s the problem of Camille, Mark, and Paolo. I revel in the playful moments—chasing after the little ones, sharing silly songs and stories, and the endlessly pure laughter that only a grandchild can provide. I think these moments spent with Emma, Tristan, Cara, and now, Camille Claudia, keep me young at heart and remind me that joy often lies in simplicity and connection.

I remember one time when my apos visited me at home and they were sleeping like little angels after hours of running around the house. I sat beside them and I told myself—this is what happiness means and no wealth nor material possessions in the world can give any person the kind of pure joy grandchildren provide.

I cannot wait to play with, dote on, and spoil Claudia Camille. I hope she grows up to be as loving, caring, intelligent as her mother, Camille. Although sometimes I wish they won’t have to grow up at all and just stay young and full of happiness. A Lolo can still dream, can’t I?

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