A young father introduced his infant daughter to an 86-year-old widower, and the resulting relationship has been mutually life-changing.
“You could just see light being brought to his eyes,” Camerin told The Epoch Times.
Camerin’s mother, who works at the assisted-living facility where Floyd lives, had told her son about him. Having lost his wife, Floyd was in a “pretty dark place.” So, Camerin’s mother urged her son to bring the baby for a visit, in the hopes that it would encourage and lighten Floyd’s mood.
The first time Floyd was introduced to 6-month-old Brinley, he had no idea that he was being recorded on video, but according to Camerin, he instantly took Brinley to be his own granddaughter.
Since then, Camerin, Brinley, and Floyd have created some precious memories together. Floyd and the baby have developed “an unbreakable bond.”
Sometimes when Camerin stops by for a visit, Brinley just falls asleep in Floyd’s arms. On other occasions, they have done things like watch the Superbowl together, and even venture out for a trip to the local ice cream shop. Floyd, who “insisted on buying” the ice cream during their outing, cradled baby Brinley as if she were his own granddaughter.
What started as a simple visit a while ago has now blossomed into a relationship with the quality and character of a true family. Camerin now even considers him to be “Grandpa Floyd.”
On a regular basis, Camerin and baby Brinley visit “Grandpa Floyd” at least once or twice a week. The elderly man’s face lights up each time he sees them.
Camerin also said it’s not unusual for the newfound grandfather to proudly boast about his “granddaughter,” or to show an innocent and endearing protectiveness when it comes to sharing Brinley with the others at the assisted-living facility.
The trio has become family. When Floyd thanks Camerin for visiting, the young man gently rebuffs him, reminding him that it’s not needed, since he’s “grandpa,” and bringing her to visit him is something that will happen forever.
“You don’t have to be fully related to someone to be their family,” Camerin said.
Although the regular visits are for a brief period of time, the joy that the newfound relationship adds to Floyd’s life is meaningful.
“I feel like it’s adding years to his life,“ Camerin said. “It’s something you can’t buy at the store.”
The beautiful relationship between Floyd and Brinley has tugged at the heartstrings of netizens after Camerin shared the video on his social media accounts. Additionally, a flood of encouragement and support has poured in for Floyd in the wake of the loss of his wife.
Through sharing this video, Camerin wants to deliver the message that humanity is still alive.
He shared: “Whatever you can do, it may impact someone’s life more than you think it could.”
