Upon discovering that her spouse would be away for their neighborhood’s father-daughter dance, Kenzie McAllister, a stay-at-home mother from Boise, Idaho, turned to her daughters, Dottie, 5, and Daisy, 7, for a solution. The response she received was synchronized and resounding: “GRANDPA!” In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, McAllister shared the heartwarming tale.
Residing with her parents at the time, McAllister enlisted Daisy to visit her father Gary’s workplace and inquire if he would accompany them to the event. Moments later, Daisy returned clutching $15 in hand along with a signed permission slip, announcing, “We’ve got a date!” Reflecting on her daughters’ close bond with their grandfather, McAllister remarked, “He can make them laugh even when they’re upset. He’ll play football with them in the rain, engage in playful wrestling matches, and cherishes their one-on-one time together.”
The girls’ enthusiasm was unwavering, with their decision to create a flower for their grandpa to wear ensuring they matched perfectly for the occasion. McAllister recounted the lead-up to the dance with fondness, highlighting the tender moments shared between her daughters and their grandfather.
Dressed and prepared for the dance, the children awaited the arrival of Gary, aged 66, who arrived promptly to escort them. McAllister captured the heartwarming scene on camera, later sharing it on TikTok where it garnered over 400,000 views. In the video, the girls warmly greet their grandpa, who responds in a gentlemanly manner, promising to have them home by 8:15 p.m.
The unexpected virality of the video took McAllister by surprise, prompting her to scroll through the comments where she found solace in the shared memories of viewers and their grandfathers. The emotional responses underscored the profound impact of grandparental relationships on cherished childhood memories.
Reminiscing about the unforgettable evening, McAllister expressed gratitude for the enduring bond her daughters share with their grandpa, especially during her husband’s military deployments. She emphasized the significance of creating lasting memories, ensuring that the father-daughter dance with Grandpa Gary becomes an eagerly anticipated tradition for years to come.
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